The Best Fall Fragrances to Stock Up on Now, According to Vogue Editors

Despite September’s lingering warmth, crisp autumnal weather—and all the changeover in wardrobe it brings—is squarely in sight. Of course, fall isn’t just a ripe time for cozy layering opportunities. It’s also an opportunity to reassess that final, invisible veil that follows you out the door: perfume. If the garden-party spritzes of summer drew upon zesty citrus notes and delicate florals, the scents to hunker down with this season tend to evoke steaming mulled wine or a windows-down drive through the woods. Still, what constitutes a fall fragrance is entirely subjective, which is why we polled 12 Vogue editors who have mastered the art of choosing a signature scent. There’s a sultry oil laced with suede and vanilla for a hit of 1970s disco fever, and a black-tea perfume with peppery overtones that takes the spice route. Chances are you’ll find one to warm up to.

“I’m a sucker for scents with cedar wood and patchouli—it’s the eternal hippie in me! This perfume has those notes in just the right doses. It’s warm and sensual without being too sweet at all, and that’s always the crucial balance I’m looking for in a fragrance, particularly in the fall. But best of all, it sort of lingers on my skin without being overpowering; I love that I can smell a faint trace of it at my wrists even at the end of the day. It somehow makes sense to me that it was inspired by Simone de Beauvoir’s existential novel of the same name. Talk about lasting impressions!” — Chioma Nnadi, Fashion News Director

“I’m on a coast-to-coast cruise of handmade, natural fragrances that don’t just overpower my entire sweater wardrobe with the familiar. For day, a spritz of Los Feliz Botanicals’s Red Rocks Eau de Parfum is this smoky, earthy, Magic Mountain scent that fakes a trip outdoors. And for night, a little swipe of Burnin’ for You’s 1977 Discothèque Perfume Oil smells like an invitation to Bianca Jagger’s NYC disco dancehall dreams—even if I never actually make it out of my bathrobe.” — Arden Fanning Andrews, Contributing Editor

“My fall fragrance is Nuits de Noho by Bond No. 9. I’ve worn it since I moved to New York 13 years ago—when I stumbled into the shop on Bond Street, was spritzed with a sample of the spicy fragrance, and immediately became hooked. It has a mysterious ‘what is that?’ scent that is both sexy and sweet with a subtle hint of vanilla. I’m obsessed!” — Negar Mohammadi, Director of Brand Marketing

“My forever and always fragrance: Caudalie’s Thé des Vignes. It’s just perfect—super light and fresh with a little bit of musk.” — Willow Lindley, Accessories Editor

“I’ve fallen in love with Dior’s Balade Sauvage, which roughly translates to ‘wild ride.’ The scent was first described to me as something you’d smell from your yacht as it floats past a volcanic island in the Mediterranean sea. It’s a mix of spicy and soft. I’m counting on its aroma to evoke that same nautical, dreamy headspace as we dive into New York Fashion Week.” — Lauren Sanchez, Features Assistant

“Can you say you stan a scent? Because I stan a scent. I own approximately five bottles of the same fall perfume—Jo Malone’s Blackberry & Bay—which I squirrel away in various locales: my apartment, my office, my favorite bag, my suitcase, my second favorite bag, because I never want to be without a spritz. It’s fruity without being juvenile, musky without being overpowering, unique without being...well, weird. Plus, not to brag, but every time I wear it, at least one co-worker compliments me on smelling good.” — Elise Taylor, Living Writer

“I always veer towards woodsy, musky scents, and fall is obviously the perfect season for that. (Though I also wear them in the summer!) My go-tos are Tom Ford’s Oud Wood or Maison Margiela’s “Replica” Jazz Club.” — Christian Allaire, Fashion and Style Writer

“I’m a sucker for anything vanilla, but when I got my hands on Le Labo’s version, I became instantly obsessed. It’s not too sweet or too sharp, but it’s only available for purchase in Paris—worth the trip, I’d say.” —Jenna Rennert, Beauty Editor

“I’ve worn Tom Ford fragrances since he launched them 10 years ago. Black Orchid is my forever go-to. Why mess with a classic?” — Rickie De Sole, Head of Fashion Initiatives

“While I spend much of fall wearing the custom woodsy scent I had brewed up in Marfa, I’ve recently warmed to Heretic’s Dirty Jasmine eau de parfum. It’s floral (jasmine, ylang ylang) while staying grounded with black pepper, yerba maté tea, and cucumber extract. And I love that it’s all natural.” — Ella Riley-Adams, Senior Living and Beauty Editor

“This will always be such a timeless classic for me. The addicting scent is sexy, feminine, yet bold all at the same time, thanks to hints of vanilla and white flowers. Plus, the added notes of coffee beans are just the jolt I need on a crisp fall day—and since fall indicates the start of Fashion Week here at Vogue, I’ll need every bit of an adrenaline rush I can get this season.” — Clarissa Schmidt, Associate Producer

“While fall is my favorite season, I wear my fragrance of choice all year round (and have done for years!). Chloé Eau de Parfum, a floral scent with hints of cedarwood and ambers by the Parisian fashion house, is truly a classic and has become part of my identity. My family and friends always comment on how they can recognize my presence in a room or on a jacket left behind by just a mere whiff of the signature scent. While I do switch it up here and there on special occasions, I can’t imagine my dresser and my life without the little golden bottle.” — Elisee Browchuk, Editorial Assistant

Originally Appeared on Vogue