I Switch Up My Signature Scent Every Season, and These Are My Top Perfumes for Winter

Shop my 11 favorites from $15.

Claudia Willen
·6-min read

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Nordstrom / InStyle

Nordstrom / InStyle

As I was shoving my linen and cotton dresses into storage containers to make way for my chunky knits, puffy jackets, and thick wools, I asked myself: If I swap out my clothes each season, shouldn’t I do the same with my perfume? It seemed so obvious—of course I want to smell different at a breezy beachside soirée than I do at a festive holiday party—yet I’d always thought I should stick to one signature, defining fragrance for life. With so many delicious, distinct options out there, that just seems plain limiting.

So I started to play around, spritzing perfumes based on my mood and vision for the upcoming season and delving deep into husky, spicy, and sometimes gourmand fragrances in preparation for the wintertime. Since my revelation, I’ve found 11 of the best cold-weather perfumes, with notes ranging from subtle vanilla to warm bourbon to camphorous cedarwood.

My Top Winter Perfumes

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

For a perfume to reign as Baccarat’s best-selling, signature fragrance, it has to be exceptional, and trust me, the 540 Extrait de Parfum has earned its station. French perfumer Francis Kurkdjian teamed up with the 260-year-old crystal manufacturer to concoct this long-lasting, wintery, and musky luxury fragrance with jasmine, saffron, and cedarwood notes. Intense without being overpowering or too sweet, the aromatic perfume is in a classic Baccarat red bottle that doubles as an elevated cosmetic shelf accessory. Oh, and it’s Olivia Rodrigo’s go-to fragrance.

Boy Smells Vanilla Era Eau de Parfum

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

There’s something warm and inviting about a gourmand vanilla scent—in my mind, it immediately transports me straight to a cozy, homey bakery. Boy Smells’ Vanilla Era Eau de Parfum strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. Its soft, classic vanilla absolute base is layered with cashmere wood middle notes and black pepper top notes to give it unique body and depth. Mission accomplished: People will say that you smell amazing with this not-too-saccharine pick.

Maison Margiela ‘Replica’ By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

My favorite winter pastime? Sitting by a crackling fire, sipping a piping hot cup of tea, and diving into an unputdownable novel. When you can’t do that, Maison Margiela’s aptly named By the Fireplace transports you right there. Shaped like an old-school apothecary jar, this perfume has an arboraceous, smoky fragrance that balances warm chestnuts and cashmere with spicy pink pepper, clove, sweet orange, and vanilla notes.

Malin + Goetz Leather Eau de Parfum

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Don’t let this perfume’s name scare you—it smells like a storied, high-end vintage shop, not a jam-packed, smoke-filled biker bar. Its floral top notes, specifically the lotus flower and clove, soften the leather and cedarwood base, creating a rustic, raw, and refined combination.

Le Monde Gourmand Chai Épicé Eau de Parfum

Amazon

Amazon

If I had to use one word to describe Le Monde Gourmand’s Chai Épicé Eau de Parfum, it would be delicious. Although, in all fairness, I’m the first in line for anything chai, having always been drawn to its rich cinnamon and cardamom flavors. If you’re the same, you’re likely to spritz this fragrance multiple times in one go, dousing yourself in violet fig top notes and a blonde wood base. Plus, at $25, this eau de parfum is a steal.

Jo Malone Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne Intense

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

You know what’s easier (and more affordable) than flying to Japan, meandering into a forest, and basking amongst the world-famous hinoki trees? Spraying Jo Malone’s Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne. The brand drew inspiration from forest bathing surrounded by Japanese cypress wood, concocting a serene, fresh, and woody fragrance.

Vanilla Musk Cologne Spray

Amazon

Amazon

A tiny spritz of this cologne spray goes a long way, meaning the bargain bottle will last you a long time. Mixing together vanilla, musk, and sandalwood, it’s warm without being cloying and fragrant without being overpowering. The best part? It smells like it costs significantly more than it does.

Creed Carmina Eau de Parfum

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Every year, my winter slump creeps up like clockwork. The holidays have passed, my skin is craving Vitamin D, and I actually start to forget what I look like under multiple layers. And that’s precisely when it’s time to reach for Creed’s luxe, powerful Carmina Eau de Parfum. The brand, which has been around since 1760, describes the fragrance as “sensual,” and it gives an automatic confident boost. With a musk and amber base, violet and cashmere wood heart notes, and black cherry and saffron top notes, it’s powerful and intoxicating.

Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Vanilla is one of the most popular fragrances in perfume (who doesn’t want to smell like vanilla cake and cookies on a chilly winter day), and Burberry isn’t afraid to use it from top to bottom in its refillable Goddess Eau de Parfum. To keep it from being too gourmand or one-dimensional, the brand includes lavender and vanilla caviar notes for a subtly spicy, layered kick.

Byredo Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Bookworms, I’ve found your dream winter fragrance. One spritz of Byredo’s best-selling eau de parfum ushers you into the warm embrace of a cozy, wood-filled library (“bibliothèque” in French). The leather, patchouli, and vanilla base blend is coated with peach and plum top notes. The result? A hearty, deep fragrance with a touch of fruity lightness.

Tom Ford Private Blend Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Combining dry (and not overtly sweet) vanilla with smoky, rich tobacco, this Tom Ford perfume is perfect for the person who wants a mature, captivating, and complex aroma that just makes sense for the holiday season. The tobacco leaf stands out upon application, but the vanilla and ginger begin to peek through after the perfume settles into your skin. 

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