Imagine you’re packing a suitcase for a spring getaway. (You’re long overdue.) Perhaps you’re headed to Paris. Or somewhere more remote, like Bali or the Maldives. You’ll need an outfit for every occasion—dressy, casual—rain or shine. Spring fragrance trends are similar to the pieces you toss into your luggage: They’re flexible, fitting your mood and the occasion.
First, you’ll need something weather-appropriate. Juicy gourmands like pears, melons, and grapefruits will get you prepped for brighter, sunnier weather. You’ll also need a light but cozy and comfortable layer (it’s not quite summer, after all). For that, you’ll have creamy scents like vanilla, sandalwood, or pistachio. Of course, there’s the age-old excuse for overpacking: You don’t know what mood you’ll be in. For this getaway, you’ll need something if you’re feeling energetic (citrus), stressed (tea), et cetera. And lastly, you’ll need something for a wild night out—something bold and long-lasting that commands attention. An extrait that will announce your arrival at dinner and keep its oomph through a night of dancing.
Below, the experts break down every note and scent profile trending for spring, whether you’re truly jet-setting or simply need a little self-care after a long winter.
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Juicy gourmands
If you caught a whiff of Persephone, goddess of spring and new growth, she’d probably smell like a fresh fruit salad—giant ripe berries, tangy grapefruits, and juicy pineapple. (Her hubby, Hades, hangs back in the spring, so she can skip around growing flowers and orchestrating otherworldly farmers’ markets.)
The bouncy, fruit-forward profile is a welcome change after the heavier comfort foods of winter. “There’s a beautiful rise in ‘water fruits,’ like melon, watermelon, and pear,” says Amelie Huynh, fragrance developer and CEO of D’Orsay. “These notes are juicy yet translucent, refreshing without being sharp. They mirror the season perfectly.”
“Freshness is a key territory for spring and summer,” adds perfumer Paul Guerlain. “We’re seeing more close-to-nature interpretations with juicy or even liquorous hyperrealistic fruits.” Opt for Tory Burch Sublime if you want to smell exactly like you’ve squeezed the ripest, pinkest grapefruit directly onto your skin.
If citrus isn’t your style, berry-forward Fulton & Rourke Ladybird or YSL Libre Berry Crush have a fruity profile with a little more weight (thanks to rich musk base notes of both), and Fabbrica Della Musa Opera Infernal offers a rich, juicy pineapple and bergamot. And if you, like Persephone, contain multitudes, something a little more complex like Anti Noshi Toro—a blend of pear, hinoki wood, and black pepper—will scratch your fresh produce itch while still giving you an air of mystery.
