Unlock the Secret Scents: 13 Colognes That Will Elevate Your Fall Game Like Never Before

The latest iteration of Bleu de Chanel—one of our editors’ all-time favorites—L’Exclusif is a darker, sultrier take. “I added labdanum extract that brings a shade of darkness but also increased the intensity of woods,” Olivier Polge, Chanel’s in-house perfumer, previously told Esquire. “And the woodiness has been pushed to a level that, in combination with labdanum, develops this leathery aspect.”

Vanilla and warm spices are a fall classic, and this cardamom, tobacco, and black vanilla cologne is undeniably sophisticated. And at under $25, it won’t cut into your fall wadrobe budget.

Leave it to Diptyque to craft one of the smoothest, most elegant patchouli colognes on the market. Tempo leans into the note’s herbal qualities, layering it with sage, violet leaf, and mate tea. Plus, the sleek apothecary-style bottle is a bonus.

True to its name, Grey Blazer exudes the quiet confidence of a herringbone blazer. Lavender and smoky wood lend it a wool-like softness—perfect for spritzing over knitwear.

Spicy, bold, and seductive, Azzaro’s The Most Wanted Intense is built to turn heads. With cardamom, toffee, and amberwood in play—and a powerful sillage—it’s great for a night on the town or a more dressed up date night. Please just go easy when spraying.

Cooler weather means you can finally break out smoky, resinous ouds without overwhelming the room. This Versace pick errs on the subtler side—balanced with neroli, black pepper, and cardamom—making it approachable for even oud virgins.

You don’t have to ditch fresh blends in the cooler months—just look for versions with warmer base notes to ground them. Parfum de Marly’s Castley opens up with bright bergamot and ginger, then settles with a rich, ambery dry-down.

This heady blend from Initio recalls a stiff drink in a dark bar—minus the hangover. With cinnamon, tobacco, and rum at its core, it’s a rich, after-dark scent that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Made with a higher concentration of perfume oils for lasting power, this amber, incense, and mandarin-forward cologne is bound to earn compliments. I can literaly smell this on my boyfriend from across the room, it’s that potent.

Inspired by a sacred cypress tree in Oaxaca, Mexico, Dos Mil Años balances bright grapfruit with woody vetiver and spiced hazelnut. Meanwhile, eucalyptus adds a soothing, spa-like vibe.

For a leather cologne that doesn’t smell like the backseat of an 80s coupe, reach for Tom Ford’s Eau d’Ombre Leather. Its lighter, eau de toilette concentration keeps it understated, while a touch of vanilla adds sensual warmth.

Chamomile, hay, lavender, frankincense, and myrrh come together seamlessly in Aesop’s Ouranon. Strikingly unique yet surprisingly versatile, this cologne calls to mind sun-warmed grass and leaves just beginning to turn.

If you prefer your fragrance on the sweeter side, try this crowd-pleaser from Giorgio Armani. Gourmand notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and chestnut are tempered by pink pepper, lavender, and amber for a scent that’s indulgent but never cloying.