I know I’m late but I’m finally ready to think about the best fall perfumes 2017. As usual I’ve been in mourning for the passing of summer and have refused until now to acknowledge that autumn has arrived.

The New York weather has been fueling my denial; in fact today it’s in the mid- 70’s and oppressively muggy, at least partially thanks to Hurricane Nate.  Since seeing such strong evidence like the colorful changing of leaves, I’m at last ready to embrace it (hopefully). 

Along with substituting sweaters and scarves for tank tops and skirts, I’ve been thinking about which summer scents need to be temporarily retired and what exciting fall scents will be taking center stage.

In no particular order, here’s what I plan to be testing and wearing in the months ahead:

• Warm Cashmere by Clean – I’ve enjoyed other scents by Clean, especially Rain (which I wrote about here), so I have high hopes for this one. Supposedly it contains the following accords: woody, citrus, floral and musk. The listed notes are bergamot, black currant, Sicilian orange, iris flower, orchid, musk, vetiver and cedar. Sounds like the perfect scent to wear while blowing those leaves that have fallen – or better yet – watching someone else do me the honor.

• Don’t Tell Jasmine by Vilhelm Parfumerie – Since I’m an admitted jasmine freak, I may fall hard for this new scent by niche brand Vilhelm Parfumerie. I’m giving them another chance since I was really not impressed with 2016’s Do Not Disturb – a truly discombobulating scent that you wish would leave but lasts forever. The soon-to-be-tried scent’s list of notes sound intriguing: lemon, Kir cocktail, petal musk along with an abundance of jasmine. I’m guessing that Don’t Tell Jasmine will be a long-lasting scent, which is fine by me. Jasmine is always welcome to stick around as far as I’m concerned.

• Twilly by Hermes – I was able to get my hands on a sample of Twilly a few months ago and knew I’d be back for more. Named after the brand’s narrow scarves featuring colorful prints, this was inspired by the free, bold and unpredictable spirit of young girls. Twilly is a deliciously fresh and vibrant scent that hopefully will get me through the inevitable funk that seems to set in when days get shorter and everything’s dark by 6:15 PM.

• Vetyverio Eau de Parfum by Diptyque – Vetyverio was launched in 2010 and when I sampled it I remember it being a captivating and well-balanced blend of citrus, woody, spicy and green accords. I’m really hoping that Vetyverio Eau De Parfum will take the original to a different and hopefully even better level. A description of the fragrance on the Luckyscent website describes Vetyverio Eau de Parfum as “an incredible ode to vetiver that is deeply naturalistic, and revels in its contrasts, both invigorating and grounding, with a bold new projection and sillage.” 

• Bloom by Gucci – Certain Gucci scents work for me more than others and this one impressed me when I smelled it recently. Featured in this little surprising gem, jasmine sambac and heady tuberose are the stars of the show and wrap you in their floral caress. Some might call this more of a warm weather/summer scent but it has some woody orris root accents which is why I’m loving it for fall. Gucci is a brand some consider too boring – including me at times – but there’s nothing dull about this Gucci fragrance.

• Clémentine California by Atelier Cologne – Clementine fanatics will be smiling all season wearing this happy scent. I generally prefer eating my oranges to wearing them but I’ll make an exception for Clémentine California. There’s something about the cypress and vetiver notes here, as well as a slightly peppery note, that makes it a perfectly spiced autumn scent. My only regret is that it’s not very long-lasting so it’s a good one for layering with another scent.

English Oak & Redcurrant by Jo Malone London – Just when I was starting to think Jo Malone’s heyday was over, Jo Malone London came out with this new fall fragrance. Bright, embracing and bewitching, it puts you in the mood for a long forest hike through crunchy leaves. There’s something, serene, magical and oh so relaxing about forests that’s captured here. English Oak & Redcurrant casts that same kind of spell on me. I was surprised that I like this as much as I do since the red currant lends a fruity vibe and I hardly ever opt for fruity fragrances. I believe the Japanese have a practice called “forest bathing” that’s known for amazing health benefits; wearing this is will be my recipe for health this fall.

Fucking Fabulous by Tom Ford – The name has  stirred up a lot of controversy and I’m not expecting to love it but it would be nice to try Tom Ford’s newest scent. Sure, it’s a ridiculous name that’s trying too hard to be edgy but I’m interested in what’s inside that bottle. I’ve heard that it’s an intriguing blend of tonka bean, bitter almond, orris root, leather and clary sage. Admittedly it doesn’t exactly sound like my cup of tea but I’m willing to give it a try. At $310 for a 50ml bottle it’s also north of my price range but I’m sure there will those who will buy it if only for the smile they get looking the bottle.

What about you? What are some of your favorite fall fragrances? Are there any that I’ve left off that you’re dying to try? ?????

Mariani Gardens, Armonk NY

Until the next time,