5 Colognes to Carry You Through Autumn

Autumn always feels like a fresh start. The air cools, wardrobes shift, and scents get deeper and more interesting. A great cologne has the power to set the tone for the season, wrapping you in warmth while leaving just enough intrigue in the air. These are the ones we’re reaching for this fall: a mix of classics and new discoveries that capture everything we love about this time of year.

Maison Margiela Ideal One

A new favorite that feels effortlessly refined. Ideal One opens with a burst of bergamot and pink pepper before unfolding into soft vanilla, incense, and oud. It’s both modern and timeless, the kind of scent you wear when you want to leave a quiet impression that lingers long after you’ve gone.

Tom Ford Ombré Leather

Still one of the best, Ombré Leather. This is leather done right: smooth, elegant, and full of character. Notes of cardamom, jasmine sambac, and patchouli blend into something that feels confident yet familiar. It is Scott’s go-to fragrance and one spritz on the pillow beside me when he travels brings him right back home.

Hugo Boss Bottled Beyond

A modern take on masculine elegance. Bottled Beyond blends fresh ginger and smooth leather for a scent that’s both energetic and refined. The balance of spice and warmth feels instantly confident, and thanks to new CO₂ extraction technology, it lasts impressively long. The black-to-gray bottle with its gunmetal cap perfectly reflects its sleek character.

Emporio Armani Stronger With You Intensely

A warm and captivating scent built on contrast. Stronger With You Intensely opens with a mix of spice and violet before moving into smooth lavender, caramel, and cinnamon. The base of suede, vanilla, and amber gives it a cozy richness that feels right for cooler nights.

Le Labo Santal 33

An icon for a reason. Santal 33 balances sandalwood, leather, and cedar with just enough cardamom to make it unforgettable. It’s subtle but powerful, the kind of fragrance that feels instantly familiar and somehow always modern.

Bonus: Perfumer H Smoke

Thomas discovered this one during our trip to Paris and it immediately became a standout. Smoke is rich, mysterious, and beautifully layered, blending notes of cedarwood, birch tar, and frankincense. It feels like sitting by a crackling fire on a quiet evening. It’s not easy to find in the US but worth the hunt.

Final Note

A good cologne doesn’t just smell good. It tells a story about who you are, where you’ve been, and the season you’re in. These scents are our autumn staples: warm, thoughtful, and made to last long after the leaves have fallen.