July 24, 2025

How to switch up your scent for winter

It’s time to give your fragrance wardrobe a new winter look

Just like clothes, scents should be seasonal. While the flirty citruses and aquatic notes of summer were fine with breezy linens and dresses, they just don't hit as hard with winter coats.

But, what does it actually mean to “switch up your scent for winter” ? And, how do you do it? It all starts with the fragrance notes. Summer florals and lighter citruses often “disappear” in winter because you wear more layers and the weather is drier. Don’t worry, you can still stay within your fragrance remit though. If florals are your thing, go for heartier versions like rose, tuberose, iris or jasmine, or those that blend florals with the warmth of spice or resins to give it more body.

Similarly, you don’t have to forgo your citrus scents either. Instead of wearing them solo, add depth by layering them with woody notes, musks or even something like vanilla or tonka bean to give it a creaminess that will make it last, and emanate even in a winter setting. If you want to stick to your citrus scents, look for something like mandarin (somehow these give warmth) or bergamot (which has a touch of spice in it anyway) that have a bit more weight to them as notes so carry — and linger — longer.

If you’re ready to all-out embrace the winter theme and go for something more outside-the-box here’s where you can really have some fun. Reach for those stronger, earthier and more opulent notes that feel too much or too strong alongside the summer heart. Explore woods, resins like amber or oud, musks, incense or even spicier notes. It’s also a good opportunity to try a gourmand —that’s scents with “edible” notes) like vanilla, caramel or chocolate.

Now to tackle placement. Remember, because you’re wearing more clothes, your fragrance could get hidden, so rather than your usual spray-spots, also consider the back of your neck, or over the clothes for more longevity — the more exposed the spot you are spraying, the better. One final, wintery note: consider switching to an EDP (eau de parfum) for the cooler months instead of an EDT (eau de toilette) as these offer a more concentrated fragrance, which you may want for the cooler months.

Want to get in the winter mood? Try these warm, cosy scents.

Solid State Aix Extrait De Parfum: a heady mix of spices come together in a sexy, warm, extrait that’s bold but unforgettable. Notes include: Saffron, Lavender, Spice, Oud, Amber, Indonesian Patchouli, Musk

The Perfume Oil Company Amber, Musk & Myrrh: Three winter favourites come together to play here, that balances sweet and spice perfectly. This unisex scent is opulent but wearable and sitting alongside the amber, musk and myrrh are bay leaf, patchouli and sandalwood.

Tokyo Milk Savage Belle EDP: A fantastic example of florals and citrus in winter, this marries the spice of warm ginger with bergamot, charcoal and wisteria. Pretty and spicy and warm all at once, it has an allure all of its own.

The Perfume Oil Company Liberty: This scent opens with mandarin; one of the “citrus” scents more suited to winter and petitgrain (extracted from the bitter orange tree), but unfolds into a heart of lavender and warmth of vanilla and orange blossom, all anchored by wintery favourites musk and cedar. It’s cosy without being predictable.

Shop our full collection of MU scents here.