As we ease into the winter months, now is the season to set aside the light-and-floral notes of summer and add some serious warmth and richness to your fragrance repertoire. In place of ultra-floral scents or those reliant on floral ingredients like peony or rose, the best winter fragrance for ladies feels a little heavier—but, in a good way. To generate that feeling, look for notes like patchouli, amber and tobacco to transition for the winter season.

Woody notes embrace their wearer with a warmth that makes cold weather days somehow feel a little more toasty. They can also bring plenty of nature inspiration that we all crave this time of year, from enjoying the crisp air outside to savoring some fireside time with a significant other. Think of them as bottling up the feeling of cozying up in a sumptuous cashmere blanket—they bring comfort, but also a little bit of decadence. So, with that in mind, we’ve put together a roundup of the best winter perfume to capture that essence and provide a seamless transition into the winter months. Whether musky and spicy or woody and earthy, we have a designer fragrance for every personality.

WRITTEN BY LYNDSEY FORESMAN

The Winter Perfume Swap

As is likely clear now, the changing of the seasons provides ample opportunity to switch up your fragrance game. While sparkling, crisp, floral notes can be the spring perfume you reach for during warmer days, the cold weather months are prime time to lean into something a little more daring, intoxicating and maybe even out of your personal perfume comfort zone. Warm and spicy or woody and earthy, the best winter perfume for you will take inspiration from the natural slowing-down of the season and embrace elements that bring a cozy feeling.