I’m Experiencing an English Countryside Autumn—20 Beautiful Discoveries That Say "Flee to the Cotswolds."
Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column that highlights the current trends in fashion and beauty as seen through the perspectives of Who What Wear’s Gen Z editors. Here, you'll find insights on the next generation of tastemakers, up-and-coming designers, and shopping and style preferences straight from those setting the trends.
As a child, I often fantasized about experiencing early fall in the Cotswolds—the undulating green hills adorned with vibrant foliage, the sheep, the classic stone cottages, and the well-trodden walking paths. Although I've not yet visited, my career has introduced me to various beauty products that transport me to the English countryside, prompting me to embrace these items this time of year.
Be it the rich berry scents, warm autumn tones, or the comforting feelings they inspire, the products on my radar for this season (both familiar and new) occupy my thoughts the moment the weather cools. I’ve always admired the fall (I've already begun lighting my pumpkin candles and retrieving my thick wool throws), but I'm also well aware of the enchanting charm that those final weeks of summer bring. Below, I'm sharing my favorite products across fragrance, makeup, skincare, hair, and body that evoke fall nostalgia as summer 2025 winds down. Yes, I'm revealing my essentials for transitioning from summer to fall that embody all the countryside aesthetics and make me dream of cozy evenings by a large fireplace, horseback riding, and having two hunting dogs in matching sweaters.
**The Fragrances**
**Jo Malone London**
*Blackberry & Bay Cologne*
**Scent Type:** Floral fruits
**Notes:** Blackberry, bay leaves, cedarwood
For as long as I can remember, the start of fall has been synonymous with blackberry picking season. I enjoyed this fruity snack in my early years and still indulge in this tangy delight to celebrate the season's arrival. I adore this Jo Malone London fragrance because it blends the savory essence of blackberry with fresh bay leaf and a cedarwood base, reminiscent of my childhood blackberry foraging in an autumn forest. Pairing it with the brand’s English Oak & Hazelnut Cologne adds a refreshing, woodsy element that brings to mind Jill Barklem's Brambly Hedge.
**République des Fleurs**
*Green Vanille Eau de Parfum*
**Scent Type:** Spicy gourmand
**Notes:** Green hazelnut, almond milk, blue chamomile, vanilla, coriander, benzoin, Haitian vetiver, atlas cedar, sandalwood
I've traditionally not been fond of gourmand fragrances since many seem too youthful and sugary for my taste, yet I find myself drawn back to them in the fall. Discovering Régime des Fleurs' green twist on this scent profile captivated me. Marketed as "vanilla all grown-up," it presents a complex version of vanilla that feels delightfully earthy. While it does feature vanilla, its warmth is beautifully balanced by spicy coriander, nutty hazelnut, and woody vetiver, making it a fascinating fragrance I can see wearing all year, but especially in autumn.
**Byredo**
*Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum*
**Scent Type:** Aromatic woods
**Notes:** Plum, cinnamon, leather accord, violet, birch woods, patchouli, vanilla
A lesser-known detail about me is that before diving into fashion and beauty, I spent my early adulthood consuming literary masterpieces through the pages of beloved books. Even though it’s been a while since I was immersed in academia, I still recall the excitement of September and the start of a new school year filled with unread titles. Byredo’s Bibliothèque takes me back to the esteemed halls of learning with its captivating mix of plum, cinnamon, leather accord, violet, and more.
**Le Labo**
*Baie Rose 26 Eau de Parfum*
*Price provided is for the 1.7-ounce refill size*
**Scent Type:** Spicy floral
**Notes:** Pink pepper, clove, cedar, aldehyde, rose absolute, musks
I've found it challenging to discover a fragrance that strikes a perfect balance between powdery florals and sharp spices—until Le Labo’s Baie Rose 26. By combining pink pepper with clove, cedar, rose absolute, and musks, it embodies a multifaceted scent ideal for shifting from sticky summer to cool fall. Its star ingredient, pink pepper (baie rose in French), emanates elegance and warmth set against a spicy backdrop, fulfilling my quest for a sophisticated spicy floral perfume.
**The Makeup**
**Hourglass**
*Phantom Volumizing Glossy Lip Balm in Rouse*
Finding a genuine chestnut lip color has posed challenges, but I recently discovered one that appears natural on my deeper lips while imparting a brown-red hue. This glossy lip balm by Hourglass has been a staple in my makeup kit for some time now, with
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I’m Experiencing an English Countryside Autumn—20 Beautiful Discoveries That Say "Flee to the Cotswolds."
New season, new picks.
