You probably know by now that a fragrance can really set the scene or give off a certain vibe. That’s especially true with perfumes. The fragrance you choose can dictate what kind of aura you want to put across. So do you want to feel carefree and flirty? Maybe you want to go for something that’s fruity or citrusy. Want to give off a traditionalfloral vibe? Or maybe your goal is to feel incredibly sexy. Well, for that I’d recommend something spicy. It’s all about matching the fragrance to your mood.
So in fall and winter, I tend to gravitate toward fragrances that are cozy and warm. I want to feel like I’m wrapped up in a snug blanket. And it turns out I’m not alone—my Who What Wear colleagues are fans of the warm-perfume trend, too.
They shared with me their recs for the best cozy fragrances that are just so comforting yet still alluring, luxe, and a little mysterious. Take a look at their picks below.
“As soon as temperatures dip into the 50s, I know two things: One, winter is coming, and two, it’s time to put my bottle of Donna Karan Cashmere Mist back in its rightful place on my vanity. I was first introduced to this fragrance, which has notes of Moroccan jasmine, lily of the valley, and sandalwood, in the winter of 2014, and it has been a seasonal staple ever since. The powdery floral scent is warming without being overwhelming and feels like a spritz of feminine energy when compared to more traditional woodsy winter scents. On days when an allover fragrance just isn’t in the cards, I reach for the cult-favorite deodorant of the same scent (see below). Bonus points: It *really* works.” — Drew Elovitz, Director of Content Strategy and Senior Managing Editor
“I actually just got Mumbai Noise from Byredo, and it honestly feels like the perfect cozy fragrance for winter. It’s rich and warm and has notes of amber and coffee. It’s definitely a unique scent and one I’ll probably be wearing all season. You don’t need a lot of this one, a tiny spritz works well for bundling up in a coat, as it can definitely be a bit overpowering if you overdo it. But with a small spritz, you’re golden.” — Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
“For most of the year, I wear Diptyque’s Eau Rose Eau de Toilette (below) because it smells great all day and also seems to mix well with my natural scent. That said, immediately upon the weather cooling down, I always get the urge to wear a muskier, more masculine scent. For that, I turn to Maison Margiela’s Jazz Club, which is a men’s cologne with neroli, lemon, vetiver, and tobacco leaf. It’s really cozy, but with a sort of spicy twist.” — Eliza Huber, Fashion Editor
“I’m not a huge floral-scent person, but here I am totally smitten with one. It has top notes of jasmine and gardenia but is layered with other notes of tobacco, cedarwood, and marigold. To me, it’s the perfect soothing combination. I feel like I’m getting a warm cozy hug from a friend when I wear it.” — Caitie Schlisserman, Beauty Director, Branded Content
“I know winter isn’t far off when the weather starts to cool down and I get the urge to bundle up in my chunkiest knits. It’s usually this time of year that I crave a heavier and spicier fragrance than what I typically wear. Enter Le Labo’s Thé Noir. It’s got all the spiciness and warmth that I look for in a cozy scent, but it’s a bit softer thanks to the top notes of tea leaves. Oh, and it really lingers. I recommend spraying it on your favorite sweaters so every time you break them out at the start of cooler weather, you’ll be greeted with that cozy warmth. Just speaking from experience here!” — Anna LaPlaca, Editor
“It’s my personal opinion that nothing is more satisfying than walking into a warm, candlelit bar on a frigid night in the winter. You might not be able to bottle that feeling, but Diptyque’s Orphéon Eau de Parfum comes close. Modeled after a bar in Paris by the same name, Orphéon is the fragrance equivalent to a warm bar and a stiff drink. Tonka beans, cedar, and juniper berries meld together to create a scent that feels cozy and inviting.” — Katie Berohn, Associate Beauty Editor
“Byredo’s Mixed Emotions is such a unique fragrance that I’m not going to be able to do it justice by describing it. It’s kind of fruity at first spritz, and then it develops these subtle woodsy notes. If you aren’t a fan of the typical vanilla and musk fragrances that are typical this time of year, I highly recommend this one.” — Allyson Payer, Senior Editor
“I talk about it a lot, but Portrait of a Lady by Frédéric Malle is my favorite scent of all time—especially when I’m feeling cozy. It’s luxe and complex and elegant and feels like an evening in a bottle.” — Kristen Nichols, Senior Editor
“I definitely switch up my fragrance MO when the seasons change, and now that winter is just around the corner, I’ve been wearing Dedcool’s Fragrance 02 almost every day. It’s this intoxicating, woodsy mix of juniper, green floral, sheer woods, patchouli, and sandalwood, and it’s my favorite way to channel cozy winter cabin vibes regardless of where I am or what I’m doing.” — Erin Jahns, Senior Beauty Editor
“Due to my love for light, floral fragrances, it can be hard for me to find a perfume that is right for colder weather. This one is floral-centric but with a hint of musk. It exudes both autumn and winter energy, making it a personal favorite for the cozy seasons. Somehow, among the intricate fragrant layers that it explores, a sweet note stands out to me. Perhaps that’s a whiff of the orange blossoms? If you run into me any time within the next six months, I guarantee I’ll be wearing this.” — Sierra Mayhew, Associate Editor
“This is a newer fragrance I’ve tried recently, and it’s just super warm and comforting. I plan on wearing this one all winter long. It has woodsy notes like amber and cedarwood paired with a sweet scent of vanilla orchid. I also love that it goes on lightly, so it’s more of a subtle scent.” — Sarah Yang, Managing Editor, THE/THIRTY
While you might not be able to lounge by a roaring fire every day during the winter season, you can capture those vibes with this fragrance. It’s designed to re-create the experience, with key notes of clove oil, chestnut accord, and vanilla accord.
Get that tobacco aroma without the harmful effects of smoking here. This warm and spicy perfume combines creamy Tonka bean, vanilla, cocoa, dry fruit accords, and sweet wood sap for something that’s super inviting.
Uniquely, this Prada perfume is made from pure essential oils, which also means it lasts a lot longer than other fragrances. It has rich notes of bergamot, mandarin, patchouli, warm sandalwood, and vanilla.
The description of this fragrance says it’s like taking a “walk through a golden-hued forest on a crisp autumn day,” so it’s got me sold. It’s warm, refreshing, and rejuvenating—much like how an adventure in the wilderness would feel. The perfume contains notes of violet leaf, muguet, Virginian cedarwood, golden gardenia, amber, and Australian sandalwood.
This scent is earthy, woody, and a little spicy all at once. Because it’s so grounding and soothing, it just might become your new everyday fragrance. The perfume has notes of sandalwood, vetiver, cedarwood, amber wood, and a spicy cinnamon nutmeg complex. Next: Yes, You Can Wear Perfume If You Have a Sensitive Nose—Try These 15 First
