I don’t believe in perfume seasons. As with anything else, I think people should find out what works for them and then do/wear whatever they like – be it dark leathers in summer or colognes in winter. So it’s with some embarrassment that I admit to wearing quite a few traditionally autumny scents this September. Then again, it gives me an opportunity to do an autumn favourites list, a genre of blog writing I’m very fond of. For your reading and sniffing pleasure, here’s my 2015 autumn perfume rotation, including both the old loves and new crushes.

CLASSICS
1. Chanel Cuir de Russie. It has become a tradition to start all my perfume lists with this one. It’s a proper, serious leather, but the Chanel polish and quality (and the floral notes) make it wearable for almost everyone. More gushing about this wonderful scent can be found here.
2. Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois. This is another “Best Of”, my favourite wood. Somehow, Feminite du Bois manages to be a statement scent and a comfort fragrance at the same time. I wear it when I want to be both gorgeous and cosy. It works regardless of the season, but with its plum and cedar notes, it is especially great in autumn.
3. Etat Libre d’Orange The Afternoon of a Faun. ELDO’s quiet masterpiece includes all the usual autumn suspects: wood, leather, resins, incense, fruit, but the result is a relatively understated perfume. I do like it for rainy summer days as well, as described in this post.
4. The Different Company Sel de Vetiver. For some people, this is a summer vetiver, because it’s light and cool and has a salty nuance. I can see that and wear it in summer, too, but in my head, it’s best suited for the empty beaches of Normandy in November.
5. Guerlain Shalimar. There’s nothing much to say, really. Vanilla and gasoline. Greatness.

UPDATES
1. Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom. Whatever the season, there’s always a place for something nice and uplifting and simply good-smelling in one’s repertoire. For this autumn, M&C is that scent for me: it’s very difficult to remain gloomy when you’re wrapped in golden mimosa and creamy cardamom.
2. Serge Lutens Boxeuses. When I crave a sweeter, more delicious leather than the perfectly perfect Cuir de Russie, I turn to Boxeuses. If you’ve tried Feminite du Bois, imagine its sister with leather and a generous dose of maple syrup added. Or is it plum jam?
3. Arquiste Nanban. If you want it all – leather, precious woods, spices, incense, plus possibly some rum and coffee, Nanban is a good one to try. There’s a lot going on, but I don’t find it hard to wear. However, you have to keep in mind that I very rarely find anything difficult to wear (and then wear it anyway). I also have a soft spot for Arquiste, as they make my favourite gardenia fragrance.
4. Une Nuit a Bali Mr Vetiver. I had never heard of this brand until I spotted their three fragrances at Senteurs d’Ailleurs. This is a spicy, warm vetiver, a counterpoint to the cool, salty Sel de Vetiver. In addition to the title ingredient, I mostly smell cardamom in this one and sometimes, that’s all I need.
5. Thierry Mugler Womanity. I have just realized that with the exception of Shalimar and possibly Jo Malone, these scents are all pretty difficult to find (and expensive). So I’ve kept the last spot for a mainstream fragrance, although in my opinion, this one smells more niche than many niche offerings. The description says figs and caviar, which in reality translates into slightly salty figs. If this sounds too unusual, there are always Angel and A*Men and their myriad flankers – also great for autumn, if you can handle them.