Fall Scents for all Occasions (and Budgets)

The fall is my favorite scent season. I’ve attempted to provide recommendations for scents for various settings and budgets. Warning: This list will likely appeal to those with more mature tastes. Younger men may find some scents on this list they have never tried, but being in my 50s, my fragrance preferences deviate from the latest trends.

Office
Cheapie: Gray Flannel by Geoffrey Beene - A product of the 1970s, Grey Flannel stands out with its green, woody aroma underlined by violet and oakmoss. This powdery and earthy combination gives it a distinct signature, which might be divisive for some wearers. Performance-wise, it offers respectable longevity and sillage, catering to those who prefer classic, mature fragrances.
Designer: Terre d'Hermès by Hermès - A mix of earthy, woody, and citrus elements, Terre d'Hermès combines flint, orange, and vetiver. While its mineral and citrus balance offers a distinct profile, its intensity might not be to everyone's liking. It boasts reasonable longevity and projection, making it suitable for those seeking a modern yet classically grounded office-friendly scent.
Niche: Bois de Portugal by Creed - A prominent woody fragrance, Bois de Portugal blends lavender with notable cedarwood and sandalwood notes. While it draws inspiration from the Iberian Peninsula, its dense character is polarizing. With moderate longevity and sillage, BdP is one of Creed’s most traditional scents.

Leisure/Daily Wear
Cheapie: PS by Paul Sebastian - A warm-cinnamon, aromatic fragrance, PS presents a blend of spices, amber, and lavender. Its mature and slightly sweet profile sets it apart. The scent offers solid longevity and projection—a classic, pronounced fragrance.
Designer: Spicebomb Extreme by Viktor & Rolf - An intensified take on its predecessor, Spicebomb Extreme, amplifies the spicy, warm vanilla and tobacco notes. While the blend is rich and potent, it can be overwhelming for some wearers. Its performance is robust, with impressive longevity and projection, catering to those seeking a bold fall & winter fragrance.
Niche: African Leather by Memo Paris - Part of the Cuirs Nomades collection, African Leather presents a unique blend of spices, leather, and warm notes. Cardamom stands out in the opening, leading to a soft, animalic leather heart. Its solid performance, with good longevity and projection, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a distinctive leather scent, especially suited for cooler weather.

Evenings/Date Nights
Cheapie: Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein - An iconic scent from the 1980s, Obsession for Men combines oriental and spicy notes, creating a warm, classic blend. Its dominant amber, vanilla, and musk base is layered with spices, making it distinctly rich. While it exudes retro charm, its heaviness might only be for some. However, its performance is reliable, with good longevity and sillage, making it ideal for those fond of classic, robust fragrances.
Designer: Noir by Tom Ford - A sophisticated and multifaceted fragrance, Noir blends spicy, floral, and earthy notes. Prominent accords of bergamot, black pepper, and patchouli give it depth, while nuances of vanilla add a touch of sweetness. Some might find its complexity challenging to decipher, and it leans towards the darker, more mature side of fragrances. Its performance is moderate, requiring reapplication if the night runs late.
Niche: Interlude Man by Amouage - A potent and resinous fragrance, Interlude Man is often described as a "chaotic" blend of smoky, spicy, and woody notes. Its distinctive incense and oud accords are intertwined with hints of leather and amber, creating a scent that can be polarizing. Its longevity and sillage are exceptional. Best suited for those seeking a bold, statement-making fragrance. It attracts attention!

Signature Scents
Cheapie: Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche - A hallmark of the 1980s, Drakkar Noir is a fougère fragrance that combines herbal, citrus, and woody notes. With standout elements of lavender, oakmoss, and pine, it exudes a masculine and rugged charm. While it remains a recognizable classic, its assertive profile might be seen as dated by some modern/younger wearers. In terms of performance, it offers good longevity and sillage, aligning with those who appreciate traditional, bold scents.
Designer: Herrera for Men by Carolina Herrera - Launched in the 1990s, Herrera for Men is a refined, spicy, and woody fragrance. It smoothly blends tobacco with citruses and spices, presenting a sophisticated and elegant fragrance. Its classic, gentlemanly character leans towards the traditional. In terms of performance, it has moderate longevity and projection, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a subdued and dignified scent. Very unique!
Niche: Herod by Parfums de Marly - A warm and sweet tobacco-centered fragrance, Herod smoothly combines notes of vanilla, spices, and woods. The rich and velvety tobacco leaf is balanced by a slightly creamy sweetness that is alluring and comforting. This may be the ultimate fall fragrance—my personal fall signature scent.