How to Transition Your Fragrances From Summer to Fall

Beauty routines are often inextricably tied to the season. As summer begins to fade, it’s time to start thinking about your skin and hair routines for fall. But what about your fragrances? Like the consistency of your moisturizer or the length of your hair, certain aromas can be more attractive in autumn. The season begs for earthy scents with more depth than airy summer fragrances. However, transitioning from one to the other can be challenging, especially during the early months of the season. The good news is it’s not impossible. Application techniques and fragrance libraries can help make the shift feel effortless. “Layering is a popular method that lets you transition your fragrance wardrobe with the season instead of making an abrupt switch,” says Octavia Morgan, fragrance expert and founder of OCTAVIA MORGAN Los Angeles fragrances.

Leaning into the scents of the season is also key to a seamless transition. While fall fragrances usually differ greatly from summer scents, finding a balance will ensure that you’re smelling good all season long. Ahead, we tapped three experts for their tips for a flawless transition, including the aromas trending for fall and the scents to leave behind.

Featured experts

Transitioning summer scents to fall

Transitioning your fragrance routine follows some of the same rules as your seasonal wardrobe. “Just like swapping linen for cashmere, fragrance should shift from lighter, breezy notes in summer to warmer, cozier notes in fall,” says Morgan. With that in mind, you can begin to organize your fragrances by their scent profile. Once you’ve mapped out which bottles feel more autumnal, the pros note that a layered approach works best. Since fall scents are heavier, they work best as a base. For example, a deep perfume with an earthy note makes a nice base for lighter aromas. Ben Krigler, perfumer at the House of Krigler, says woodsy fragrances are some of the best because they pair well with floral, sweet and fruity scents. In that vein, he says that summer scents can easily be spritzed on top, keeping them relevant into the next season.

Layering is an easy way to make fragrance feel seasonally appropriate. As Rosie Jane Johnston, founder and CEO of by/rosie jane, notes, it allows you to build on what you love and make it cozier for fall, extending the life of your favorite summer perfume. Morgan explains that the technique can also add dimension when done correctly. “Concentration is important when it comes to layering. Warmer weather favors lighter formats like body mists or eau de toilette. As fall arrives, switching to more concentrated forms like eau de parfum or body oils will cling to the skin longer and deepen the overall aroma,” she says.

Trending scents for fall

“Warm notes and gourmand scents are always trending come fall, as people start to prepare for the colder months ahead,” says Krigler. However, Morgan notes that this season’s gourmands are much richer thanks to a handful of seductive and spicy scents. Traditional earthy aromas have also evolved with deep leather accords and elements that nod to western style, such as hay and tobacco. “This fall, scent is about depth and mood. We’re trading airy florals for rich vanilla-animalics, smoky florals, boozy citrus and even incense,” adds Morgan. She explains that these notes are less about announcing your presence than creating a memory that lingers.

Layering means you don’t have to completely ditch your favorite summer fragrances. “Fruity scents are typical for summer, but can work well for fall when paired with a deeper fragrance,” says Krigler. Instead of shelving them away, look for bottles with notes that can swiftly transition into summer. “Citrus is a perfect example, because it’s fresh enough for warmer days but can also be elevated with spices or soft woods for cooler weather,” says Jane. Morgan adds that sugary gourmands can also help balance weightier fragrance notes. If there’s any style of perfumes to shelf, she says it should be tropical, beachy florals and sheer aquatics. “Fragrances built on coconut or sunscreen-inspired accords have their moment in summer, but they don’t translate as well when the seasons change. Similarly, watery, ozonic scents that capture poolside vibes or salty sea breezes can feel out of sync with the cozy, textured layers of fall.”