This season, winter fragrances are emerging from the covers, with fireside fragrances making a bold, sophisticated statement, perfect for all your festive soirées.
While many wintry scents are designed to cosset and cocoon you, like a warm cuddle on the sofa, discover our pick of the best winter fragrances that crackle with energy and excitement, helping you shrug off your fluffy blanket and make an impact at your next party.
What’s behind the fireside fragrance trend?
There’s an undeniable magic about festive celebrations by the fire — flickering flames casting a golden glow, the gentle pop of champagne corks, and the hum of conversation filling the air. This season, our favourite winter fragrances have bottled that feeling, with the world of perfumery rising to the occasion with scents that evoke fireside parties and festive elegance.
From the smoky allure of oud to the warming embrace of amber and vanilla, these fragrances are designed to be noticed (and leave a lasting impression) —whether you’re mingling over cocktails or catching up with friends in front of the hearth. Think of them as bottled celebrations: scents that echo the crackle of a fire, the richness of red wine, and the understated glamour of a winter party.
The best winter fragrances
This is the scent that lit the spark in my mind about the fireside fragrance trend. Suitably named (and already the source of my favourite perfume necklace), Strangelove NYC's new fragrance really energises the cosiness of vanilla with a hit of incense and oud, while adding even more intrigue with calming notes of chamomile. People will come a little closer to ask what you are wearing…
With 'must smell again' energy because it gets even better as it dries down on your skin, this fragrance was inspired by cold winds and starry stars (making it perfect for wintry evenings). Decidedly unisex – which only adds to its intrigue on your skin – there's the coolness of mint and kunzea on first spritz, which gives way to the moreish fruitness of fig and warmer cedar and incense over time.
Imagine wearing a cosy cashmere jumper while sharing a passionate kiss (perhaps under the mistletoe). This perfume is exactly that in fragrance form. Inspired by Jo Malone CBE's visit to Dubai many years ago, the warmth of tonka and cashmeran is brought to life with spicy ginger, rich oud and coffee so it fizzes on your skin. It's bold and carressing in equal measure.
Imagine wearing a cosy cashmere jumper while sharing a kiss under the mistletoe – this is that feeling, bottled.
Kayali's whole collection of actually wearable oud-based fragrances could have made this list, but if we had to pick just one for this winter, Oudgasm Cafe Oud takes the crown. That's probably because the opening smells quite a bit like a Terry's Chocolate Orange in the best possible way (aka without any sickliness), with the blast of coffee and citrus then giving way to sophisticated rose and patchouli notes.
Inspired by the forbidden romance within the novel ‘The Age of Innocence’ by Edith Wharton, this fragrance really does crackle with spice and passion like a wood fire. The sweetness of honey and a floral heart of rose mingles with the spark of ginger, cardamom, clovebuds and cinnamon. It is an aroma that has quickly become one of our top picks as a daring date night fragrance.
A truly headturning winter fragrance that is bound to inspire conversation. The brand equates it (accurately) as the olfactory equivalent of wearing a leopard tuxedo to the opera – such is the fun, unforgettable nature of the blend. Fresh and aromatic at first, then it dances with Damascus rose, woody patchouli and the rich, smoky warmth of oud and sandalwood. The result: it lasts and lasts on your pulse points.
You are guaranteed to make a statement any evening you wear a fireside fragrance like this new aroma from Horace.
All of Ffern fragrances are limited editions – designed to capture the essence of each year's seasons. Winter 24 is potentially our favourite yet (so do join the waitlist!). Like warming your hands in front of the fire after spying a frost-covered rose in your winter garden, there's a comforting feeling to each citrusy, floral spritz that makes you energised rather than soporific.
As soul warming as a signature winter cocktail from a swanky yet crowded bar. This intense version of a BDK classic fragrance still has some of the 'Cherry Cola' fizz of the original, now with a creamy feel (due to tonka bean) and a really lingering amber and oud base that makes it an addictive choice for cold days.
This is the niche fragrance for anyone who normally doesn't want to share what they are wearing (although plenty of people will ask!). A celebration of the winter solstis and a scent of contrasts, the blend combines attributes of all the seasons (including summery citrus, earthy spices and zesty florals) for an aroma that constantly changes and delights as you smell it throughout the day. The beautiful gift box it comes in makes it a strong contender for winter gifting too.
A celebration of the depth and warmth of tobacco, leather and suede, this aroma will transport you to a large armchair in a classic London member's club. And, if you like to leave an impression through your perfume, the projection is so good that the trailing base of amber, woods and musks will remind others of your presence even after you leave the room.
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