Fragrance 101: The Complete Guide to Perfume

The fragrance industry has been going through a silent revolution. Gone are the days of a single, inoffensive signature scent. Niche houses are rivaling designer brands in popularity, layering products is becoming a norm and seasonality is a defining feature of scent profiles. 

With so many people falling in love or discovering the absolutely boundless world of fragrance, we’re here to walk you through the ins and outs whether you are sticking with a signature scent or looking to round out your scent wardrobe. Let’s start with the difference between designer and niche- which there isn’t much. Niche simply means there brands are fragrance houses only, where designer brands produce a variety of produce ie. Chanel, Dior. Designer brands in the past used to predominantly be crowd pleasers but with so much attention to the fragrance space everyone is taking risks and using scent to make their mark.

Let’s talk about the introduction into seasonality in perfumes. For most the rule of thumb is wear what you like when you like, but if you’re ready to really dive into fragrance there are certain notes that feel more appropriate for different seasons. 

Fresh florals like peony, lily of the valley, and neroli evoke the light and fresh feeling of spring. Scents that work really well in spring feel airy, optimistic, and clean — perfect for capturing the energy of renewal and bloom.

Summer Feels

Summer calls for brighter, citrus-forward scents like bergamot, coconut, and aquatic notes that won’t get cloying in the heat. Summer scents can often lean tropical, juicy, and can have a sunscreen feel reminding you of perfect days at the beach or by the pool. 

Warmth of Autumn

Fall is the perfect season for warmth and depth, with spicy accords like cinnamon, cardamom, and patchouli blending beautifully with rich amber or fig. Think of scents that wrap you up like the perfect scarf and feel like crisp days outside. Fall perfumes often embrace warm, spicy notes like amber, cinnamon, fig, and soft woods. 

Fullness of Winter

Winter fragrances feel opulent and full bodied. Think gourmand notes like vanilla and tonka bean, smoky ouds, leather, and deep woods that offer comfort and sophistication in the cold. These intense, long-lasting fragrances offer comfort and drama in colder temperatures and festive settings.

Now that we’ve walked through some of how fragrance families work, how scent notes change with the seasons, and the difference between designer and niche perfumes, you're ready to explore the world of fragrance with more confidence. Because we’ve always got your back, be sure to sample a ton to find out which scent profiles speak to you. Here is our list of retailers we love to shop with for staples.

Whether you're building a scent wardrobe or just searching for that one signature spritz, knowing the basics makes the process less overwhelming and a lot more fun!