The New Fall Fragrances: A Whiff of Luxury and Spice

Top 11 New Fall 2023 Colognes to Elevate Your Scent Game

11 Best New Colognes for Fall 2023

Photos: Phlur, Aesop, JCPenney; art by Mike Kim.

Ah, fall. The season of cozy sweaters, crisp air, and pumpkin spice… wait, scratch that! We’re talking about the most exciting time in fragrance right now, as new scents hit stores in rapid fire, ready to complement your fresh fall fits. Forget about the clichés of heavy, pumpkin-spiced colognes. This new crop of fragrances is about to blow your mind with their richly layered, surprisingly versatile aromas. They’ll have you feeling like a walking work of art, or at least someone who smells really, really good.

## Arquiste L’Or de Louis Price: $245 at arquiste.com

In case you couldn’t tell from the glass orb with literal flecks of gold mixed in, this cologne is pure opulence. Inspired by Louis XIV’s Grand Orangery, where citrus was considered an exotic delicacy, L’Or de Louis is a luxurious fragrance that announces itself with a sweet burst of orange blossom. But it doesn’t stop there. It effortlessly mingles pomegranate, jasmine, and bergamot with a heart of honey, musk, and cedarwood, before revealing a smoky base of firewood smoke and cade wood. It’s a scent that shimmers with confidence. Who needs pumpkin spice when you can have gold-dusted citrus?

## Kilian Paris Smoking Hot Price: $290 at Nordstrom, $290 at Bloomingdale’s

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Prepare for a smoky surprise! This cologne takes the concept of “smoking hot” and turns it on its head. With Kentucky tobacco, apple shisha (flavored hookah smoke), and a dash of green apple, cinnamon, and bourbon, Smoking Hot starts off sweet and gradually unveils layers of depth. As the smoke rises and the cinnamon adds a spicy touch, it conjures memories of those Red Hots candy you used to find in your trick-or-treat bag. It’s the perfect balance between familiar and unexpected, a grown-up twist on a childhood favorite.

## Phlur Father Figure Price: $96 at phlur.com

Step into the hidden gardens of fragrance with Phlur’s Father Figure. Although it claims to be inspired by secret gardens, this clean and fresh scent evokes the vibes of iconic 1990s men’s colognes. The fig in the top note gives it a sweet and earthy touch, while the lavender adds a subtle freshness. As it dries down, base notes of musk, sandalwood, and patchouli gently emerge. Father Figure is the quiet hero of colognes, subtly evolving with time and embodying modern masculinity. Just like those ’90s jams you still listen to, this fragrance is all about quiet nostalgia.

## Parfums De Marly Althair Eau de Parfum Price: $250 at Bloomingdale’s, $250 at Nordstrom, $250 at Neiman Marcus

Vanilla, the unsung hero of fragrances, is having a major moment. But don’t worry, Althair won’t make you smell like a sugar cookie or a scented candle from a kitschy gift shop. This grown-up vanilla fragrance knows how to spice things up. With cardamom and cinnamon adding depth and breaking up the sweetness, this warm and inviting scent is as far from baked goods as you can possibly get. It’s the kind of fragrance that exudes sophistication and elegance, making you feel like the king of the vanilla empire.

## David Beckham Refined Woods Eau De Parfum Price: $55 at JCPenney

What does David Beckham smell like? We may never know for sure, but his Refined Woods fragrance comes close to providing an answer. This wood-forward cologne is surprisingly fresh and wearable. It combines clary sage, lavender, geranium, and vetiver for a masculine yet uplifting vibe. The cedarwood and tonka add depth, while a dash of Beckham swagger completes the scent. It’s the perfect cologne for daytime wear, capturing the essence of Beckham’s charm without being overpowering. Just spritz it on and let your inner Beckham shine.

## Tom Ford Myrrhe Mystere Eau de Parfum Price: $1,300 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Prepare for a taste of mystique and sensuality with Tom Ford’s Myrrhe Mystere. With a double dose of mysterious myrrh, this cologne immediately envelops you in a smoky, spicy embrace. As sandalwood, vanilla, and musk reveal themselves, it becomes a fragrance that exudes luxury and ruggedness. It’s subtle enough to wear with a suit or a cashmere sweater, allowing you to confidently embrace your inner Tom Ford.

## Perfumehead Xanaboud Price: $425 at perfumehead.com

Are you ready for a fragrance that screams maximalism? Enter Perfumehead Xanaboud. Inspired by the “last burnished hour before sunset,” this oud-based scent is a rich and earthy cornucopia. Bergamot, rose, jasmine, patchouli, suede, vanilla, and more (including the ever-important oud) create a vibrant and diverse aroma. It’s fresh, floral, sweaty, and earthy all at once, evolving right under your nose with each wear. Wear Xanaboud and be the life of the party, whether it’s on a dance floor or in the shadowy corners of a banquette. Embrace the fragrance and let it take you on a journey.

## Aesop Ouranon Eau de Parfum Price: $195 at Aesop

Seeking a fragrance with a punch of earthiness? Look no further than Aesop’s Ouranon. This cologne breaks the traditional notion of “fresh” by favoring sharper, crisper vibes. With notes like petitgrain, chamomile, and hay (yes, hay!) infused with a hint of lavender, it’s an olfactory journey like no other. The spicier and smokier tones of frankincense and patchouli enhance the mineral-y myrrh, creating a unique and sophisticated scent. It’s light enough for daytime wear, yet you can layer on a bit more at night to up the sex appeal.

## D.S. & Durga Deep Dark Vanilla Eau de Parfum Price: $300 at Nordstrom, $300 at Neiman Marcus

Enter the realm of dude vanilla with D.S. & Durga’s Deep Dark Vanilla. This fragrance takes vanilla to a whole new level of unctuousness and earthiness. Mixed with patchouli, the dark vanilla absolute in the base evokes a deep, musky, and surprisingly vibrant aroma. Let the notes of hay, vine, and cypress transport you into a realm where you can indulge your senses in the depths of complexity. It’s a vanilla cologne that defies expectations and dares you to embrace your edgy side.

## Henry Rose Menace Eau de Parfum Price: $120 at henryrose.com

Aquatic fragrances are often associated with summer, but Henry Rose’s Menace defies conventions. This fresh and citrus-forward cologne takes the refreshing essence of water and adds a twist. With a base of musk, cedar, and patchouli, it transitions from a breezy citrus top note to a seductive and sexy fragrance. It’s like taking a dip into the ocean on a crisp autumn day while wearing a tailored suit. Menace captures the essence of both freshness and sensuality, reminding us of those iconic ’90s aquatic colognes we just can’t forget.

## Boy Smells Vanilla Era Price: $98 at Boy Smells

Vanilla is back at it again! Boy Smells’ Vanilla Era is the epitome of all things vanilla-y. It’s a fragrance that celebrates the delectable aroma of vanilla but twists it in the best possible way. Dark vanilla absolute, black amber, cashmere wood, and iso e super (a woody-musky-ambery note) come together to create a deep, musky, and slightly spicy experience. With botanical touches of beet root, saffron, and tulip, Vanilla Era strikes the perfect balance between genderless and slightly masculine-leaning. Embrace the vanilla revolution with confidence.

So there you have it, the best new fall fragrances that will make heads turn and noses sniff with envy. Upgrade your scent game and let these luxurious and captivating colognes accompany you on your fall fashion adventures. Just remember, whether you choose opulence, smokiness, or a touch of earthiness, your fragrance is an expression of yourself. So, go forth and scent the world!

About the Author:
Garrett Munce writes about men’s style and grooming. He’s written for HotSamples, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light, and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.

Let us know which fall fragrance captures your imagination in the comments below! Are you more of a smoking hot cinnamon lover or a deep dark vanilla aficionado? We can’t wait to hear your thoughts.