As the days grow shorter and the leaves change their hues, it’s time to ditch those summer freshies. Autumn has arrived, and with it, the perfect excuse to update your fragrance wardrobe.
Just as we swap our linen shirts for woolly jumpers, it’s essential to transition from the lighter fragrances of summer to more complex scents that complement the fall season.
Each of these 10 best autumn fragrances for men I’ve chosen is a brand new release for 2023 to ensure you stay bang-on-trend.
- Best Autumn Fragrances For Men
- 1. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Parfum
- 2. Givenchy Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum
- 3. Bvlgari Man Rain Essence Eau de Parfum
- 4. Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Parfum
- 5. Azzaro Wanted Eau de Parfum
- 6. YSL Y Eau de Parfum Intense
- 7. Zara Unexplored Noir Eau de Parfum
- 8. Paco Rabanne 1 Million Royal Eau de Parfum
- 9. Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Parfum
- 10. Guerlain Tobacco Honey Eau de Parfum
- Andrew’s Top Pick
- Perfume Note Guide For Autumn/Fall
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
Best Autumn Fragrances For Men
With every scent new for the 2023 autumn/fall season, here is my take on the 10 best autumn fragrances for men.
1. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Parfum
Review
Armani Acqua di Gio Parfum is a refined evolution of the aromatic Acqua di Gio collection created by perfumer Alberto Morillas.
The fragrance opens with fresh marine notes, seamlessly moving into a heart of aromatic herbs and finishing with a deep base of incense and patchouli.
Top Notes:
Marine Notes, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Clary Sage, Rosemary
Base Notes:
Incense, Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
An absolute gem for brisk daytime autumnal walks, intimate dinners or a night out in the city. It will last you 5+ hours with decent projection.
2. Givenchy Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum
Review
Gentleman Society, a sophisticated 2023 offering from Givenchy, is a modern twist on the timeless fougeré structure that reminds me of Invictus Victory.
The fragrance starts with a blast of cardamom and sage, floral narcissus and grassy vetiver in the heart, with a head-turning base of vanilla and wood.
Top Notes:
Sage, Cardamom
Mid Notes:
Narcissus, Vetiver
Base Notes:
Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vanilla
Seasons & Longevity
The warming base makes it a perfect fit for autumn. Ideal for formal events or even a reflective walk among the fall leaves. Lasts 6+ hours
3. Bvlgari Man Rain Essence Eau de Parfum
Review
Bvlgari Man Rain Essence is an olfactory tribute to nature’s rejuvenation—a scent reminiscent of rain-kissed foliage.
I love the opening, with its contrasting burst of orange citrus and green tea, which becomes musky in the middle and anchored by a woody/amber base.
Top Notes:
Green Tea, Orange Essence
Mid Notes:
Musk, White Lotus Accord
Base Notes:
Amber Accord, Guaiac Wood
Seasons & Longevity
Lasting 6+ hours, Rain Essence captures the essence of a wet, mossy forest floor in autumn-making it apt for daytime wear or a weekend in the countryside.
4. Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Parfum
Review
Grey Vetiver Parfum is a masterful Tom Ford release with a clean composition, elevating the earthy/woody root to new heights.
Citrusy/floral top notes lead to a spicy heart of saffron. The dry down reveals the namesake vetiver, that’s gently woody and oh-so comforting and classy.
Top Notes:
Orange Blossom
Mid Notes:
Saffron
Base Notes:
Vetiver
Seasons & Longevity
The woody and spicy notes echo the crispness of fall, making it a versatile choice for day and night outings. Expect 6+ hours of wear.
5. Azzaro Wanted Eau de Parfum
Review
An Azzaro fragrance that exudes audacity and charisma, the 2023 release Azzaro Wanted EDP is for the man who dares to be different.
Opening with ultra-fresh juniper berries, it transitions to a herbal heart of sage and finishes with a sensual base of smooth vetiver with a sweet twist.
Top Notes:
Juniper
Mid Notes:
Sage
Base Notes:
Vetiver
Seasons & Longevity
It’s a scent that perfectly embodies the spirit of autumn nights for adventurous outings and evening get-togethers, plus it’s office-safe. Lasts 6+ hours.
6. YSL Y Eau de Parfum Intense
Review
Fronted by Lenny Kravitz, Y Eau de Parfum Intense by YSL pushes the boundaries of contemporary masculinity.
Dazzling juniper and ginger in the bright opening, it’s nicely floral and herbal in the heart and concludes with an intense base of vetiver and earthy patchouli. Classy.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Juniper Berries, Ginger, Aldehydes
Mid Notes:
Lavender, Clary Sage, Geranium, Iris Concrete
Base Notes:
Cedarwood, Patchouli, Vetiver, Grey Amber Accord
Seasons & Longevity
I’d recommend this intense version as an any-situation fall fragrance lasting a respectable 6-7 hours with good projection.
7. Zara Unexplored Noir Eau de Parfum
Review
Unexplored Noir does what it says on the tin; this nocturnal Zara fragrance is dark, rich, and will reel in compliments. Similar to Fireplace by Replica.
A spicy pink pepper and cardamom opening, a floral heart, and a masculine musky base of patchouli and sandalwood sweetened by caramel.
Top Notes:
Pink Pepper, Cardamom
Mid Notes:
Iris, Violet
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Patchouli, Caramel
Seasons & Longevity
The mysterious depth of this fragrance encapsulates the essence of autumn. Excellent price vs performance, lasting 5+ hours with good projection.
8. Paco Rabanne 1 Million Royal Eau de Parfum
Review
Another 2023 release, 1 Million Royal from Paco Rabanne, is a lavish affair, exuding luxury and male confidence.
This scent is a symphony of richness, opening with fruits, progressing to a spicy-floral heart, and finishing on a luxurious base of warm resin and smooth wood.
Top Notes:
Liquorus Rose, Davana, Apple
Mid Notes:
Cedarwood, Osmanthus
Base Notes:
Benzoin, Cedarwood, Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
I found its rich character mirrors the golden palette of autumn, suitable for grand events or date nights and will provide 6+ hours of noticeable wear.
9. Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Parfum
Review
Luna Rossa Ocean is a masculine Prada fragrance that’s less aquatic than I expected (considering the name) so it easily made my fall fragrance list.
The cologne begins with uplifting citrus, lavender and sage (almost barbershop) but then delves into a leathery/suede heart with a powdery vanilla finish.
Top Notes:
Citrus, Lavender, Sage
Mid Notes:
Suede, Saffron
Base Notes:
Orris, Vanilla
Seasons & Longevity
Its zesty freshness, complemented by warm undertones, encapsulates autumn’s duality, making it ideal for day-to-night transitions lasting 5+ hours.
10. Guerlain Tobacco Honey Eau de Parfum
Review
Tobacco Honey by Guerlain is an ode to luxury, intertwining the sweetness of honey with the depth of tobacco.
The scent mesmerises with its opening of spicy tobacco, leading to a honeyed heart grounded by a rich and somewhat classy woody/oud base different from TF Tobacco Vanille to own both.
Top Notes:
Tobacco Accord, Vanilla
Mid Notes:
Honey, Anise, Clove
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Oud
Seasons & Longevity
Its warmth and depth echo the very essence of autumn, making it a delightful companion for those contemplative evenings. Expect 7+ hours of wear.
Andrew’s Top Pick
YSL Y Eau de Parfum Intense
My top-pick fall fragrance is YSL Y Eau de Parfum Intense because it’s just the right balance of aromatic woodiness and freshness, plus it projects well, too.
Perfume Note Guide For Autumn/Fall
Autumn calls for warm, masculine scents that capture the essence of the season. Here are some masculine fragrance families every guy should know.
| Note | Description |
|---|---|
| Woods | |
| Cedarwood | Robust and woody with hints of rugged outdoors, ideal for evoking a lumberjack feel. |
| Oakmoss | Earthy and deep with a touch of green; often found in classic men’s fragrances. |
| Sandalwood | Creamy, masculine, and woodsy; offers a subtle warmth, ideal for the cooler months. |
| Resins & Balsams | |
| Myrrh | Ancient resin with a masculine edge, adding depth with its balsamic aroma. |
| Frankincense | Aromatic and resinous, gives a dignified and mature vibe to fragrances. |
| Spices | |
| Black Pepper | Sharp and spicy; adds a kick that stimulates the senses. |
| Nutmeg | Warm and subtly sweet, evoking evenings by the fireplace. |
| Clove | Rich and spicy, adding a touch of masculine warmth. |
| Smoky & Dark | |
| Leather | Rich and rugged, reminiscent of leather jackets and masculine sophistication. |
| Tobacco | Deep and smoky with hints of sweetness; captures the essence of vintage masculinity. |
| Earthy & Vetiver | |
| Patchouli | Musky and earthy; a bold scent that speaks to free spirits and adventurers. |
| Vetiver | Deeply woody and slightly smoky, grounding any fragrance with masculine energy. |
Conclusion
Remember, guys, autumn is not just a season-it’s a signal of change, so let one of these best autumn fragrances for men be the scent soundtrack for the cooler seasons.
Also Read: 10 Best Winter Fragrances For Men: The 2023 Edition
Whether you’re in the mood for a splash of luxury or a whisper of mystery this fall, there’s a scent in this list waiting to resonate with your autumnal spirit.
Also Read: 12 Best Woody Fragrances For Men: Cedar To Oud
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
