As we transition from the last days of summer into the early whispers of autumn, our fragrance choices can play a delightful role in embracing this in-between season. The changing temperature and humidity levels can dramatically alter how perfumes interact with our skin, giving even our tried-and-true favourites a fresh character. But WHAT do we feel like wearing when the weather can’t make up its mind…?
How to Bridge the Scented Seasonal Gap…
When selecting a scent for this time of year, look for notes that bridge the gap between summer’s lightness and autumn’s warmth. Woody notes like cedar and sandalwood provide a cosy base without feeling too heavy – we don’t know about you, but we’re not quite ready to swaddled just yet! Spices such as cardamom and ginger add a tingle of warmth while maintaining elements of freshness, and not dominating a fragrance composition. Meanwhile, floral notes like rose and jasmine can still feel appropriate, especially when balanced with layering deeper elements or layered with a woodier / earthier scent you already have in your collection.
Five Perfumes Perfect for Right Now:
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt (£55 for 30ml): This perennial favourite takes on a new dimension in cooler weather, with the sage becoming more pronounced against the salty backdrop.
Diptyque Orphéon (£140 for 75ml): A sophisticated blend of juniper berries, cedar, and tonka bean that evolves beautifully as temperatures fluctuate.
Maison Margiela Jazz Club (£49 for 30ml): Rum and tobacco notes provide warmth, while pink pepper adds a crisp edge suitable for warmer days.
Byredo Mixed Emotions (£127 for 50ml): Black tea and violet leaves create a refreshing opening that settles into a comforting base of birch wood and papyrus.
The Body Shop White Musk (£20 for 30ml): An affordable classic that adapts well to changing weather, with its clean musk becoming more pronounced in cooler temperatures.
Samples and travel sizes are also perfect for this transitional perfumed period. Just as we may have spent many extra minutes each day staring into our wardrobes and pondering how to dress for weather that’s sunny and clammy one minute, then cold, wet, and windy the next; so too can our scent choices be thrown for a spin, leaving us wondering ‘what to wear?!’ Having a good selection of sample sizes and miniatures, however, gives you the opportunity for some to olfactory experimentation with different scents as the weather changes (and without committing to a full bottle!) Plus, they’re ideal for those last-minute weekend getaways or unexpected warm spells.
The Perfume Society’s Seasonal Scents Discovery Boxes are an excellent way to explore new fragrances tailored to the time of year. While the Autumn box is on its way, your Summer box still remains a fantastic option for the coming weeks, especially if you’re planning a late summer holiday (lucky you!)
Remember, fragrance is deeply personal and can react differently on each individual. This betwixt-and-between perfumed period is the BEST time to allow yourself the joy of playing with your perfumes, being braver, exploring and discovering new scent combinations – or new brands / fragrance families to try, each of which will work uniquely for you.
Written by Suzy Nightingale