As soon as autumn deepens, I find myself instinctively switching perfumes. It’s not that summer scents suddenly become “inappropriate,” but rather that cold air brings out a completely different dimension in fragrance. With lower temperatures and drier air, the top notes no longer burst forth impatiently—instead, the heart and base notes have time to bloom slowly and fully. This seasonal shift has deepened my connection to scent and helped me curate a personal winter fragrance wardrobe.

Today, I want to share the four perfumes I reach for most during the colder months. These are the scents that have walked with me through foggy London mornings, warm twilight hours, and countless long winter nights. Some are soft and clean, some are spicy and warm, one smells like a fireplace on a snowy evening, and another reminds me of home. These perfumes are more than just liquids in a bottle—they’re my scented memories in the cold air.

1. Jo Malone London — Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Fresh, free, like wind off the English coast

Jo Malone has long been a staple on my fragrance shelf, and Wood Sage & Sea Salt is a must-have for my autumn and winter rotation. Unlike many winter scents that lean rich and heavy, this one offers a salty, breezy freshness—like walking along the cliffs of Cornwall in the early morning, wind in your face, your senses wide awake.

The top notes are light with sea salt and grapefruit, the heart features sage and red algae, and the base brings a gentle hint of driftwood. It’s not an aggressive scent; instead, it offers a subtle, comforting presence. I love pairing it with a beige turtleneck or a pale wool coat—it gives the impression of softness, like air-dried fabric in the sun.

It’s perfect for everyday wear, commuting, library days, or lazy café weekends. It’s that kind of “barely there” scent that draws people closer.

Available at Jo Malone’s official website, Selfridges, and Amazon.

2. Maison Margiela — By the Fireplace
Burnt wood, creamy chestnuts, and the coziness of woolen blankets

By the Fireplace is my go-to comfort scent. If Wood Sage & Sea Salt is the sea breeze outdoors, then By the Fireplace is the firelight indoors. The name couldn’t be more fitting—it smells exactly like sitting beside a crackling fireplace in a mountain cabin.

From top to bottom, the fragrance carries a caramelized chestnut sweetness, with a smoky woodiness that avoids being cloying. It opens with pink pepper, orange blossom, and clove; the heart is chestnut, guaiac wood, and vanilla; the base settles into Peruvian balsam and warm woods. Each note unfolds like layers of glowing embers.

I especially love wearing this with a deep-colored wool coat and a burgundy scarf—it envelops me in a scent that feels like a hug. It’s warm, slightly nostalgic, and always makes people lean in closer.

Perfect for date nights, winter walks, or candlelit dinners—a perfume with a story.

Available on Lookfantastic, Cult Beauty, and Amazon.

3. Chanel — Coco Mademoiselle Intense
Bold, elegant, and effortlessly sensual

Within the Chanel fragrance family, Coco Mademoiselle Intense has long held a special place for me, especially in colder weather. Compared to the original, which leans more toward fruity florals, the Intense version builds a warmer foundation with patchouli, amber, and tonka bean. It also has impressive staying power—one spray lasts all day, even lingering on scarves and coats the next morning.

The scent opens with citrusy notes of orange, bergamot, and lemon; the heart reveals rich rose and jasmine; the base deepens with amber, patchouli, tonka bean, and vanilla. This perfume evolves from sweet brightness into a sensual, woody elegance.

It’s a great match for someone who’s confident in the workplace but knows how to be soft and graceful in private. I often pair it with a camel-colored suit, a silk camisole, and ankle boots—it’s the scent of someone who looks composed but still turns heads.

4. Le Labo — Another 13
Clean yet unique, like a solitary streetlamp in the midnight air

Another 13 became a new favorite in the winter of 2022. It’s a hard-to-define scent—some call it the smell of paper, others say it’s like the air inside a quiet library at night. My first reaction was, “This is the kind of fragrance a clever person would wear.”

Its main note is Ambroxan (a synthetic ambergris), supported by subtle musk, pear, lime, and a whisper of woods. It smells a little cold, a little distant, but never alienating. I love wearing it when I’m alone—browsing in bookstores, visiting galleries, or taking late-night walks.

This isn’t a perfume in the traditional sense—it’s not floral or fruity or even obviously sweet. But that’s what makes it so addictive. It’s perfect for anyone who dislikes overpowering scents but still wants to smell… interesting. It has no gender, no sharp edges, just a quiet confidence.

Another 13 smells like cold air itself—subtle, clean, unforgettable.

Available via Le Labo’s official site, Liberty London, and Selfridges.

When the Air Turns Cold, Scents Bring Us Closer to Ourselves

Perfume is never just about how you smell—it’s about how you feel. Cold air slows everything down and sharpens your senses, which makes fragrance even more intimate and evocative.

These four scents have stayed with me through countless autumns and winters. Some are rituals I start my mornings with, others are like invisible blankets at night. Some are soft as cotton, others as crisp as frost, but all of them are now a part of who I am.

That’s why I believe fragrance is our olfactory calling card. In a season that often feels melancholy and still, one spray of perfume can ground us, comfort us, and remind us of who we really are.

So next time you stand in front of the mirror—scarf wrapped, coat buttoned—don’t forget to add a spray of something beautiful. Let that scent carry you through the season and leave a little memory of you wherever you go.