November arrives quietly, when the fanfare of Halloween has retreated and the world hunkers down to await the impending winter. I’ve found it to be a forgotten month; those who cherish spooky season reject its arrival, and lovers of the holidays rush through, racing to December 1st. The eleventh month, though, owns a special kind of charm, a rawness that feels less contrived than the bright orange leaves and pumpkin spiced lattes of October (though they’re not going anywhere). November is still autumn. Here are the scents and scenes that define the month.
Cozy Night In
Fragrance: Nearly Nude
House: DefineMe
Notes: Wild Oats, Bubble Bath, Clean Skin, Iso E Super, Sheer Musk
Vibe: Imagine soaking in a steaming milk and honey oatmeal bath, face mask on, glass of wine poured. Afterward, your only plans are watching a new episode of your favorite show and drifting off to sleep, without any dread of an alarm to wake you in the morning. This scent is cuddly, comforting, clean, and lightly sweet – perfect for an evening spent in your happy place.
Favorite Coffee Shop
Fragrance: 8 Café Josephine
House: Ledda
Notes: Toasted Almond, Coconut Milk, Coffee, Frothed Milk, Caramelized Amber
Vibe: This might be the singular most delicious-smelling perfume I own. When I smell this, I get sweet, milky coffee, perhaps accompanied by a sweet treat. It feels like settling into a comfortable seat at Luke’s in Stars Hollow, ready to enjoy the familiar simplicity of a cup of coffee on a cold day.
Timeless Cableknit Sweater
Fragrance: TriBeCa
House: Bond No. 9
Notes: Cacao Absolute, Green Hazelnut, Jasmine, Ambroxan, Caramel
Vibe: Everyone should own a classic cable knit sweater. When styled and fitted properly, it’s the ultimate wardrobe staple for cool weather and ignites confidence, dressed up or down. That’s what TriBeCa reminds me of. To me, it’s a caramel and jasmine delight that announces itself and lasts all day. It’s sweet without being gourmand, strong without being cloying; it’s a powerhouse scent that will take you from early fall to late spring – like your favorite cableknit.
Golden Hour
Fragrance: Perfect Absolute
House: Marc Jacobs
Notes: Caramelized Fig Accord, Jasmine, Rich Amber
Vibe: The sky is clear, the sun is shining – so brightly it almost feels warm outside. The air seems to shimmer, the light is honeyed. It’s golden hour, and life feels so sweet. This fragrance is rich, caramelized, and textured, like the soft flesh of a dried fig. Although technically a fruity floral, this is the autumn version of that traditionally summer profile, with a twist of darkness and mystery.
Candlelit Matinee
Fragrance: Bombón
House: House of Bo
Notes: Lychee, Lily of the Valley, Marshmallow, Bergamot Caramel, White Birch
Vibe: This is an opulent scent that would not be out of place next to a pair of velvet gloves, or a satin gown. Equally floral and indulgent, it exudes an elegant drama that reminds me of the stage. It’s a bit heady, a tad syrupy, and utterly seductive due to white florals. A celebration of hedonism and pleasure, it pays homage to founder Bernardo Möller’s favorite flower, the lily of the valley.
Slow Mornings at Home
Fragrance: Replica Coffee Break
House: Maison Margiela
Notes: Coffee, Lavender, Milk Mousse, Orange Flower, Lemon
Vibe: It’s a serene Sunday morning, before the rest of the world has awoken. This is the smell of that first cup of coffee, lingering with the scent of just-washed skin and fresh dawn air. Rather than gourmand, the coffee is quite aromatic. When combined with the lavender, it’s heavenly. Contemplative and calm, this fragrance provides a moment of stillness amidst the chaos.
Stroke of Midnight
Fragrance: Dark Chocolate
House: Gulf Orchid
Notes: Mandarin, Cardamom, Cocoa, Jasmine, Anise Blossoms
Vibe: Three words: Michelin star dessert. This is not your average chocolate fragrance; it has depth and complexity, is not overly sweet, and is as dark as midnight. It makes me think of an intricate-looking truffle at a high-end candy counter. The mandarin is stunning in this – it smells almost like one of those chocolate oranges you can find at Christmastime. The best part of all? It’s under $50.
