Fall is the season of sugar, pumpkin spice and everything nice. In New York City, the ultimate fall city, you not only have to look the part, but you have to smell the part. On your hunt for the ultimate autumn scent, you might find yourself aimlessly walking up and down the Sephora fragrance aisle, testing out too many samples until they all start smelling vaguely vanilla. Don’t worry — we’re here to help. We know committing to a perfume isn’t an easy choice, so we did the research for you.  

We sampled a large selection of perfumes at the Union Square Sephora and compiled a list of scents for all the perfect fall days you have in mind. Whether that is baking a pie, going on a hike or apple picking, we have got you covered.  

Phlur Vanilla Skin — $38

Vanilla Skin will remind you of throwing on a reliable, chunky sweater and your favorite pair of worn-in boots with nothing on the agenda but picking up your first coffee of the fall season. This scent is reminiscent of being handed a warm, sugary treat in a crinkly paper bag to enjoy on a cozy cafe couch. At $38 for a full-sized bottle at Sephora, the perfume is on the more affordable side as well. With notes of pink pepper, apple, jasmine and sandalwood, the scent is not overtly sweet like your typical vanilla perfume. The shy spiciness of this hair and body mist is reminiscent of cinnamon, and the deep gold of the perfume itself resembles freshly browned butter, making application feel like a sweet, indulgent sprinkling. 

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 71 — $26

The perfect scent for baking fall-themed Pinterest-perfect treats, Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 71 hair and body perfume mist smells like a batch of cookies fresh from the oven. For only $26, this gourmand transports you to an October weekend with a kitchen full of friends and pumpkin bread. Breathing in Sol de Janeiro is like sniffing a freshly-baked cake of caramel, macadamia, white chocolate and sea salt, and applying it is akin to adding a thick layer of caramel drizzle to any outfit. It’s a delicious choice for a cozy pair of sweatpants you get to wear because it’s finally cold enough.

DedCool “Taunt” — $90

“Taunt” is a warm, inviting scent made for crisp fall days that call for some warmth as one weaves through the chilly New York City streets. This unisex perfume boasts clean ingredients that are hard to beat, with notes of bergamot, amber and vanilla that are reminiscent of a warm glass of apple cider on a chilling day.  Best paired with a deep red nail, “Taunt” is made for anyone who has caramel browns and deep reds all over their mood boards.

REPLICA By the Fireplace — $89

Maison Margiela’s REPLICA By the Fireplace bottles up the warmth of a crackling fire glowing with the same oranges and reds of the fall leaves outside. The scent evokes the distant smokiness of burning wood combined with the heartwarming earthiness of chestnuts. The notes of clove oil, chestnut accord, and vanilla accord instantly transport one’s mind to a crisp fall walk where the air is yummy and leaves crunch underfoot. When wearing this scent, it is essential to pair it with your Rory Gilmore-esque sweater, brown boots and scarf to enjoy the outdoors. 

Kilian Apple Brandy on the Rocks — $275

By far the most fruit-forward scent on this list, Apple Brandy on the Rocks has top notes of cardamom and bergamot that are accompanied by very prominent apple, rum, vanilla and cedar notes. The notes of apple immediately transports you to walking through an expanse of orchards with family as a child, or with friends years later getting the perfect fall photos for your Instagram. The rum and brandy notes walk you from the orchard back to the farm stand so you can drink syrupy, bubbly apple cider. Apple Brandy on the Rocks is unisex, and, though on the pricier side, is long-lasting. The ornate glass bottle makes even applying this perfume an indulgent experience, and a scent this elevated is perfect for date nights or for when you want to make a particularly special fall memory. 

Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme Eau de Parfum with Oakwood & Orange — $138

L’Homme Eau de Parfum Oakwood & Orange by Yves Saint Laurent is a cologne that emanates Chris Evans in Knives Out — a clean and masculine man swaggering his way confidently through the changing colors of autumn. Notes of bitter orange, oakwood and vetiver create a clean, warm and woody scent that evokes a distinctly fall feel. Anyone wearing this will instantly achieve an effortless look. This cologne is the perfect choice for anyone looking to finish off a chunky knit white sweater or handsome brown overcoat with a flourish.

Contact Natalie Beit and Ayda McClellan at [email protected].