Scent Therapy: Why My Winter Fragrances Just Aren’t Cutting It in 2025

Hormones, heavy notes, and a midlife fragrance crisis

It’s 2025, and something’s rotten in the state of my perfume tray. Who knew choosing the wrong perfume could feel like wearing socks in a puddle?

I’ve been that person for years—sniffing wrists in public, spraying scarves like a competitive sport. Perfumes were my thing. My winter favorites? Reliable as a Bella Freud cashmere sweater. But now? They’re betraying me. Instead of feeling like me, they feel like they’re wearing me.

What’s going on? Hormones? Maybe. Personal evolution? Probably. Either way, my go-to scents are out, and I’m on a mission to find something that vibes with this new chapter of... me.

Let’s talk about what’s officially off the roster:

• Vanilla. My former BFF. Once comforting and cozy, now it feels like I’m drowning in a vat of frosting. Sure, my beloved Sol de Janeiro body butter still soothes (smelling like a bakery dream), but full-on vanilla perfumes? Nope. Too cloying.

• Unisex Powerhouses. Once upon a time, I was all about the bold, gender-neutral vibes—Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille, Le Labo’s Thé Noir. But now? They leave me feeling... blah. Gorgeous, yes. But they’re giving “boardroom boss” when I crave something softer, more personal, and less intense.

So, what’s working? Here’s what’s made the cut:

Chanel Jersey. It’s clean. It’s classic. It’s got a dash of “grandma chic”—and I’m surprisingly into it. Think luxe cashmere sweater energy.

Chanel Coromandel. Spicy yet soft. Bold but wearable. It’s got that “I’ve got my life together” kind of balance. It's a grown-up version of my general go-tos.

Diptyque Lilyphéa. Part of Diptyque’s nature-inspired lineup, this modern, delicate blend features water lily, cardamom, violet leaves, and a whisper of sweet vanilla. It’s subtle but layered, like a soft-spoken genius.

Soma Ayurvedic Vanilla Muse. Vanilla reimagined—sophisticated, not saccharine, and with a surprising middle note of strawberry. If you’re not ready to divorce vanilla, this is your rebound, and it’s a clean brand, too.

Dior Cologne Blanche. Dior Cologne Blanche, from the Dior Privée Collection, is celebrated for its minimalist yet luxurious profile. It combines a fresh burst of citrus with the powdery sophistication of Iris at its heart, creating a velvety, creamy texture. The base is soft and musky, with subtle hints of almond or vanilla, adding warmth and understated sweetness. This unisex scent balances crispness and warmth and smells like rich Europeans to me. It’s discontinued, but you can still purchase it here.

Honorable mention goes to Future Society, a fragrance house that is reimagining beauty with a blend of science and sustainability. It revives extinct flower scents to create clean scents. I particularly love Haunted Rose. It’s super unique, and you won’t smell it on everyone. 

Fragrances, like fashion (and, let’s face it, life), evolve. What felt sexy or empowering at one point might suddenly feel... wrong. And that’s okay. It’s a sign to stay curious, experiment, and embrace the changes—one spritz at a time.

Pro tip: spritz on your hair for an instant refresh and to make your scent last all day.

So, here’s to finding the scents that make good sense. Whether it’s a powdery Chanel or a Diptyque dream, the right fragrance doesn’t just smell good—it shifts your mood, boosts your vibe, and reminds you exactly who you are right now.

And honestly, isn’t that the whole point? XO