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Switching into autumn gears means swapping out that iced coffee for a hot something and putting tank tops into storage while reaching for cozy jackets more often. Crisp, cool weather also calls for a fragrance switch up. While seasonal faves—like amber and leather—remain a staple, this year we’re seeing a unique fleet of scents rise up, too. For insights into the best perfume scents for fall 2025, we reached out to fragrance developers and gurus.
Salty Florals
Salty florals combine airy, marine-inspired accords with lush blooms like tuberose, jasmine, or peony. “The salty note creates a crystalline freshness that balances the floral sweetness, making it both ethereal and grounded,” explains Octavia Morgan, fragrance expert and founder of Octavia Morgan Los Angeles. “There’s a growing fascination with mineral and skin-like scents; fragrances that feel intimate, lived-in, and wearable year-round.”
This profile delivers freshness while still offering depth for fall. Try the Octavia Morgan Marine Layer—a salty floral with lily and sea spray, Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk, and Generation by Osmo’s Where Water Ends, which combines white florals with wet stone and wild herbs.
Leather
Leather is one of those favorite fall scents we see year after year, and 2025 is no exception.
“We’ve seen a growing fascination with leather-rich scents inspired by wild West and rugged Americana vibes a la dusty plains, luxe leathers, whiskey, and tobacco,” says Bettina O’Neill, fragrance expert and executive vice president at Scentbird. “These evoke adventure and nostalgic landscapes.”
One of her favorite’s is Espíritu Parfum by House of Bō, which is clean and aromatic with leathery undertones. Perfect for layering. Tory Burch’s Sublime EDP is a more feminine option, with top notes of mandarin and peach and rose wrapped in a base of leather accord and patchouli.
Moody Fruits
Alongside citrus, rich and moody fruits like plum, black cherry, and fig are trending this fall, often layered with woods like sandalwood, cedar, and patchouli. “The fruit notes add juicy richness, while the woods ground them in warmth, making the fragrance perfect for cooler weather,” Morgan explains. She adds, “Dark fruits bring an element of surprise; they’re gourmand without being sugary and sensual without being heavy.”
Phlur’s new Cherry Stem is the perfect embodiment of this with notes of black cherry, plum nectar, caramel, leather, and ebony wood. WeWoreWhat 001 Eau de Parfum is a softer spin on this, with notes of creamy fig, cardamom, patchouli, black tea, and pepper.
Zesty Citrus
While moody, rich notes are a favorite in the fall, a crisp burst of zesty goodness can help create balance. These are juicy notes of grapefruit, lemon, and orange, which are leveraged in fall fragrances via “unconventional profiles by combining fresh, metallic brightness with dark, woody depth,” says Christophe Laudamiel, master perfumer at Generation by Osmo.
A standout for him this season is The Museum of Pop Culture’s signature fragrance, Electric Harmony, which he calls “a fresh and modern composition where lemon and linden blossom meet marine and metallic facets for a green, airy opening. Rum extract adds warmth, while deep woody notes of patchouli and oud bring intensity and contrast.”
Amber
Amber is one of autumn’s coziest and most popular olfactive categories, so run with it. “We have seen multiple amber-centric perfumes rise into our top 10 bestsellers over the past year, underscoring amber’s deep, comforting appeal this season,” O’Neill tells us.
One of her favorite call outs is Fugazzi’s Angel Dust, a soft cashmere fragrance with a soothing amber backbone that makes it a perfect wrap on crisp fall days. We’re also obsessed with Aerin’s new Amber Musk Vanille EDP, a spin on their bestselling Amber Musk that combines amber with whipped vanilla, marshmallow, rose, and orange blossoms.
Twisted Gourmands
Sweet gourmands are a fall given, but this season we’re seeing a more gothic, moody twist. “We’re seeing a rise in dark gourmands where vanilla scents become richer, deeper, and more mysterious,” says O’Neill. “These gourmands layer sweetness with accents like amber, leather, and patchouli.” Arabians Tonka embodies that evolution; it’s fluid, indulgent, and perfect for cooler temperatures. Also try Tom Ford’s Vanille Fatale, which takes vanilla into shadowy territory with tobacco, suede, mahogany, and coriander.
Chocolate
Chocolate is definitely in the gourmand category, but we’re breaking it out as a trending perfume scent for fall 2025 because of the momentum it’s gaining. While often reserved as a base note, chocolate is stepping into the spotlight for a decadent, melty moment.
Kayali just debuted Oudgasm Chocolate Oud, which features notes of spiced rum, caramel apple, jasmine, and cinnamon all dipped in a dark cocoa. And La Fede Brown Choco by Khadlaj is a full chocolate gourmand with cocoa, chocolate, pistachio, and milk swirling in a sea of caramel.