Espresso Notes and a Chocolate Trail: ELLE Reveals the Biggest Fragrance Trends for Fall

This fall, light summer scents are giving way to warm, comforting and multifaceted compositions. Creamy vanilla, coffee, chocolate, musk and spicy orange blossom are taking center stage. ELLE has highlighted five key fragrance trends to help you choose your next signature scent.

1. Sophisticated Gourmand Fragrances

Sweet perfumes are becoming more complex. Instead of cloying dessert-like notes, they feature creamy accords, vanilla, espresso and bourbon. These compositions evoke the comfort of a hot cup of coffee on a chilly day.

For example, DedCool Mocha Magic combines freshly ground espresso, mocha and cream, while hints of biscotti and bourbon lend the fragrance a gentle sweetness. Elorea Closer, meanwhile, focuses on delicate milky and tea notes.

According to Carina Chaz, founder of fragrance brand DedCool, gourmand scents will continue to grow in popularity but become more refined and better suited to everyday wear.

2. Clean Skin Scents

Inspired by the minimalism of the 1990s, perfumers are focusing on delicate compositions that complement rather than overpower the skin’s natural scent. These fragrances work beautifully on their own or layered with other perfumes.

Examples include Diptyque Fleur de Peau, with its musky notes; Juliette Has a Gun Not A Perfume, known for its minimalist, clean scent; and Commodity Milk, which pairs soft musk with a marshmallow accord.

3. Toasted and Nutty Notes

Vanilla, caramel, coconut, tonka bean and pistachio take on a deeper, slightly smoky character. These fragrances evoke warmth and are particularly well suited to the colder months.

In this category, ELLE highlights Burberry Goddess Amber Vanilla, with its rich vanilla notes; Guerlain Tobacco Honey, featuring honeyed and tobacco nuances; and DKNY Be Delicious Latte Pistachio, with its distinctive pistachio accent.

4. Chocolate Fragrances

Chocolate is emerging as one of the season’s most distinctive fragrance notes. Depending on the composition, it can evoke freshly baked treats, caramel popcorn or dark chocolate blended with woody and spicy accords.

Maison Mataha Brownie Pop captures the aroma of brownies and caramelized popcorn. In Tom Ford Tobacco Chocolat, chocolate takes on a more restrained, sophisticated character, complemented by warm woody and spicy notes. Those who prefer richer compositions may also enjoy Kayali Oudgasm Chocolate Oud.

5. Orange Blossom With Spicy Notes

Citrus fragrances do not disappear when summer ends, but they take on a deeper, warmer character. Orange blossom is paired with patchouli, sandalwood, tonka bean and other spicy accords.

In Chloé Le Nectar Parfum Intense, orange blossom is complemented by woody notes and tonka bean, creating a warm, ambery scent. Parfums de Marly Safanad combines orange blossom with vanilla and sandalwood, resulting in a soft, creamy fragrance.

Individuality Matters More Than Following Fragrance Rules

According to Carina Chaz, more people are experimenting with scent combinations, layering different perfumes and using fragranced body and hair products. At the same time, interest in rich ambery compositions is gradually giving way to more personal and unexpected combinations.

Among the expert’s favorites are DedCool Xtra Milk, which can serve as a base for fragrance layering, and DedCool Taunt, which blends fresh bergamot, vanilla and amber.

The season’s guiding principle is simple: choose a fragrance not just because it is fashionable, but because it makes you feel comfortable and reflects your individuality.