Autumn and winter in London always come with a certain sense of stillness. The wind drifts in from the Thames, brushing past the red-bricked corners and curled-up leaves along the sidewalks, and the air seems to gain a kind of invisible density. In this season, I especially love wrapping myself in a sweater and spraying on a bit of woody perfume—it’s like cloaking myself in a warm, story-filled aura.
To me, perfume is never just “a scent.” It’s like an invisible garment, or a soft sweater, offering a kind of emotional comfort and adding a hint of lingering charm to every step I take. I’m especially fond of woody notes—not as flashy as florals or as airy as fruity tones, but rather calm, grounded, and reassuring, as if they’re saying, “I’m here, no rush.”
Maison Crivelli – Santal Volcanique
This is a fragrance that blew up my senses—literally. I first smelled it at a friend’s house. She’d just sprayed it before walking into the kitchen, and I immediately followed her asking, “Why do you smell like you’ve just stepped out of a pile of volcanic firewood?”
The base is sandalwood, but not the creamy, milky kind. It’s sandalwood wrapped in volcanic heat—slightly scorched but never harsh. The opening has a touch of pepper and citrus, then eases into a smoky blend of charred wood and bitter vetiver. The whole progression feels like a journey—from heat to tranquil forest.
Styling tip: Pair with a chunky brown sweater, jeans, and silver earrings for a cool-chic vibe.
Where to buy: Maison Crivelli UK official website or Harrods fragrance section.
BDK Parfums – Villa Néroli
Though its name includes “Neroli,” what truly hooked me was the drydown of cedarwood and incense. It smells like sun-warmed wooden floorboards—just a touch of sweetness that settles into dry, quiet woods.
The wood notes are not center-stage but play the most supportive background role. Perfect for those who love clean lines and dislike sugary scents. I especially enjoy wearing it while reading, as it transports me to a sunlit Mediterranean villa.
Styling tip: Off-white turtleneck sweater, cream wide-leg pants, and soft loafers. Clean and elegant.
Where to buy: Liberty London or BDK official website.
Fugazzi – Workaholic
This brand isn’t exactly mainstream in London, but I discovered it at a fragrance-sharing event and fell instantly. Despite its name, “Workaholic” doesn’t smell like boardroom stress.
It blends sandalwood, oud, and a hint of leather—like flipping through a decades-old book with wooden spines and paper notes. It pairs wonderfully with preppy sweaters and has that “library girl” kind of charm.
Styling tip: Slate-blue knit cardigan, wool midi skirt, and muted eyeshadow tones.
Where to buy: Fugazzi official website and select fragrance boutiques.
Zoologist – Macaque Fuji Apple
Zoologist’s perfumes are always unique. This is my fourth from the brand, and it combines wood and fruit in an unexpected way.
The first whiff is fresh apple peel, soon transitioning into a smoky wood stage. It feels like being deep in an autumn forest—someone is burning firewood, someone else is slicing apples. The base is soft sandalwood and musk, perfect for gender-neutral sweater days.
Styling tip: Oversized moss green sweater, army-green utility pants, chunky boots. A forest-core vibe.
Where to buy: Harvey Nichols or Zoologist UK official website.
Ella K – Mémoire de Daisen In
This fragrance reminds me of the moss temples in Kyoto. The opening has shadowy vetiver and cedarwood, with a middle of bitter Japanese green tea. The drydown reveals soft incense and sandalwood. It’s like an old sweater that smells of time—inviting you to keep touching it.
My go-to for autumn walks, this scent is quiet, slightly bitter, but never sour. It’s perfect for those “I just want to be left alone” moments.
Styling tip: Deep grey wool sweater, thick knit scarf, and a matte red lip.
Where to buy: Ella K official stockists in UK independent fragrance stores and online.
Marc-Antoine Barrois – Encelade
This was my biggest green-wood surprise this year. Encelade blends rhubarb, vetiver, leather, and cedarwood into something damp, green, and slightly sweet. The opening feels like cool, moist soil; the middle brightens with gentle greenery; the base settles into wood and leather.
It smells like a walk deep into the forest—clean, complex, and serene. Ideal for those who wear black turtlenecks and carry an unspoken aura.
Styling tip: Black sweater, grey plaid pants, round-frame glasses. Quietly intellectual.
Where to buy: Harrods, Skins UK.
Heeley – Agarwoud
This is the “philosopher” among woody scents. Layers of oud, patchouli, and vetiver unfold slowly, like sitting by an old wooden window with a cup of hot tea. The wood is deep and the base has a gentle spicy twist.
It’s perfect for rainy days, vintage homes, or old bookshops. One sniff and you’ll feel like writing poetry.
Styling tip: Camel-toned chunky knit, brown trousers, a vintage book, and a mug of black coffee.
Where to buy: Heeley official site, or select third-party sellers on Amazon UK.
Woody Fragrance Is an Extension of Personality
Choosing a perfume is often less about finding the “best-smelling” one and more about discovering the one that feels most like you. I love woody scents because they are quiet, introspective, and yet deeply present. They don’t grab attention like florals or fruits, but they linger, offering comfort and warmth when you lean in.
Putting on a soft sweater and spritzing a woody perfume is how I protect myself from the cold seasons. Not by piling on layers, but by holding onto a small internal grace—just like the way fragrance lingers on your collar, gently reminding you: “There’s strength in your softness.”
