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 put across. 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.
In the 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. 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.
Key Notes: bergamot, nutmeg, black tea, palo santo, leather, vanilla, and milky musk. "I just got Perfumehead's Room No., and it honestly feels like the perfect cozy fragrance for winter. It's rich and warm and has notes of palo santo, nutmeg, orris butter, and leather. 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." — Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
Key Notes: pink pepper, primofiore lemon, rum absolute, tobacco-leaf absolute, and vanilla bean. "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 get the urge to wear a muskier, more traditionally 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 spicy twist." — Eliza Huber, Editor
Key Notes: rose damascena, rose centifolia, and lychee. Customer review: "Great perfume, the best fruity rose out there. Lasts all day—perfect for work and weekends! I get compliments on it all the time!"
Key Notes: gardenia, jasmine, orange blossom, cedar, tobacco, ambergris, oakmoss, and pot marigold. "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
Key Notes: bergamot, bay leaves, black tea, fig, tobacco, cedarwood, and vetiver. "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 that 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
Key Notes: juniper berry, cedarwood, tonka bean, and jasmine. "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, Beauty Editor
Key Notes: maté, black currant, Ceylon black tea, violet leaves, birchwood, and papyrus. "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
Key Notes: rose, red fruits, cinnamon, benzoin, incense, patchouli, and sandalwood. "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, complex, and elegant and feels like an evening in a bottle." — Kristen Nichols, Associate Director, Special Projects
Key Notes: juniper, green floral, sheer woods, patchouli, and sandalwood. "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, Beauty Director
Key Notes: almond milk, iris, and musk. "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 and 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
Key Notes: amber, cedarwood, and vanilla orchid. This is a newer fragrance I've tried recently, and it's just super warm and comforting. I plan to wear 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.
Key Notes: clove oil, chestnut, and vanilla accord. 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.
Key Notes: tobacco leaf, vanilla, and ginger. 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.
Key Notes: patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla. 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. Customer Review: "I love this so much! After reading everyone else's reviews, I knew I had to have this! I am a perfume connoisseur. I love this scent because it's very mild but also delicious. It's a very sensual scent. I would recommend to anyone. Worth every penny!"
Key Notes: violet leaf, cedarwood, and amber. 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. Customer Review: "I have fallen in love with the scent because it is so unique and it lasts all day. I own a few of the Aerin fragrances, and this is truly one of a kind. It is refreshing with a flare of that oaky cedar smell. Definitely recommend!"
Key Notes: sandalwood, vetiver, and amber wood. 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, and amber wood and a spicy cinnamon nutmeg complex. Customer Review: "I pair this with the perfume, and it smells incredible! I always get a ton of compliments. When it settles, it smells so fresh and clean. I would definitely recommend pairing the two."
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
