Autumn 2018: The perfect fragrances for men and women this season

It’s time to invest in a scent which reflects the change in season

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Like it or not, autumn has officially arrived which means your signature scent should quickly follow suit.

Although there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the world of fragrance, the warmer months call for lighter, sweeter and citrus notes.

Meanwhile, headier whiffs that imitate the scents of the season – think spicy cinnamon, sweet marshmallows and smoky bonfires – are more appropriately worn in the colder days of autumn.

Of course, many of us choose to stay loyal to one scent all-year-round, 34 per cent in fact, but for the remaining majority, a new season offers the chance for a new perfume obsession.

Luckily, a slew of new launches are hitting the shelves right now, meaning there are plenty of options to add to your fragrance wardrobe – from warm, woody notes to bold and beautiful florals.

At the lighter end of the aromatic spectrum are fragrances that, while inherently elegant, are topped with an alluring hint of musk.

Dior, Joy, £48.60, John Lewis

Here, florals are the go-to with ingredients like rose, violet, iris and jasmine present in a number of new arrivals.

Those with a penchant for crowd-pleasing whiffs will surely like Dior’s Joy or Dolce & Gabbana’s The Only One, while Givenchy’s L’Interdit and the headier version of the original Gucci Bloom - Bloom Nettare Di Fiori – are richer and more seductive scents perfectly suited to the cooler climates.

Givenchy, L’Interdit, £51, Debenhams

When it comes to seasonal scents for men, those with a mounting collection will be on the look out for something distinctive. For traditionally masculine fragrances with a twist, Prada’s new L’Homme Prada Absolu and Hermes’ Terre D’Hermes Eau Intense Vetiver Eau De Parfum are sure-fire winners.

Both offer a woody composition but, while the former is combined with spices and citrus, the latter includes leafy botanicals and earthy vetiver.

Hermes, Terre D’Hermes Eau Intense Vetiver Eau De Parfum, £65, Selfridges

Of course, you needn’t feel confined by gender boundaries when choosing your new fragrance, but if you don’t feel comfortable wearing something designed for the opposite the sex there are a number of unisex options too.

Our favourite autumn-ready blends are Byredo’s Eleventh Hour – a spicy scent with notes of tonka bean, pepper and wild fig – and Tom Ford’s Ombre Leather – a deep, floral fragrance finished with layers of cardamom, patchouli, leather and moss.

Tom Ford, Ombre Leather, £82, Space NK

Gucci, Bloom Nettare Di Fiori, £72.90, John Lewis