The best autumn fragrances for women

Crisp autumn days call for enticing new-season scents, whether they’re bursting with mellow fruitfulness, woody and warm, or sultry numbers with a side of spice. Let’s turn our attention to the best fragrances autumn 2025 has to offer.

Why save florals for spring? Sweet, warming scents are the perfect spirit-lifters on misty autumn days. Nothing will elevate your mood like the new Chloé Le Parfum; exclusive to John Lewis for a limited time, it’s a sensual floral with notes of orange blossom, rose, vanilla and tonka.

The sophisticated, creamy note of 2025 (yes, really), today’s vanilla fragrances are perfect for seeing you through the colder months. Look to scents where vanilla plays with florals, weaving its warmth without any heaviness.

If you prefer fresher-feeling autumnal fragrances, opt for citrussy top notes paired with subtly seductive fig, bergamot or waterlily-laced scents. For a touch more depth, try a chypre – a type of fruity-floral scent with a woody base – such as Hermès Barénia Eau de Parfum.

As with our clothing, autumnal scents are usually more substantial than their springtime counterparts: think spicy, rich and woody notes to envelop our senses. If you find yourself flocking to warmer, smoky scents as the leaves turn, you’ll love notes of patchouli and musk. 

Cocooning yet powerful, sensual, skin-soaking ambery scents feature notes of bergamot, neroli and saffron, softened with cocoa shell, tonka bean and vanilla. These inviting, intoxicating, ‘stop-and-stare’ fragrances, such as Fenty Beauty’s classic, almost guarantee compliments.