Raw, Luxe, and Rich: The Most Stylish People I Know Share These Fragrances.

      If you were to ask me about the top perfumes and prominent fragrance trends of this year, I would certainly highlight luxury scents, gourmand fragrances, and vibrant aromas. However, a lesser-known trend I've observed recently is that many of us are looking for fragrances that complement our favorite fashion items. What do I mean by this, you might wonder? Much like how we might wear a large leather jacket to feel empowered and composed, we're also searching for bold leather fragrances to evoke the same sensation. Similarly, when lounging at home in our cozy cashmere sweaters, we desire soft perfumes that envelop us in a comforting embrace. It seems that fragrances inspired by raw materials and textures are becoming more popular, prompting me to reach out to experts for further insights on these scents. "People have a connection to texture," says Romy Kowalewski, founder of fragrance brand 2787. "Modern perfumery taps into that instinct and expresses it through scent in a way that feels fresh and straightforward. It offers a clearer expression than more symbolic notes like 'mystery' or 'romance.' Texture gives fragrance a tangible foundation."

      "I see this as part of a broader shift in fashion towards quality investment pieces," adds Almira Armstrong, founder of the niche perfume brand Atelier Lumira. "Fragrances inspired by materials resonate with that trend. A soft leather accord or a fresh cotton or linen aroma feels like a lasting element of your personal style, similar to how a great blazer or trench coat becomes part of your everyday attire." Below, I've asked experts to elaborate on these popular scents, and I've gathered my favorite picks for some of the most exciting material-inspired perfumes this winter. I highly recommend you keep reading.

      Leather Fragrances

      To start with, as winter fully sets in, let’s discuss leather scents. "When referring to leather in perfumery, we’re not bottling an actual piece of leather. Instead, we’re creating an impression of it, which can range from inky and smoky to buttery and soft, much like how a patent stiletto feels different from a casual bag," Armstrong explains. "At its essence, leather has a dual nature. There is richness and darkness, often with smoky or slightly animalic notes that remind us of a well-loved jacket or a vintage chair. On the other hand, there's a softness, akin to the inside of a suede glove, which can feel almost powdery and similar to skin. Perfumers achieve that nuance through an accord rather than a single element, incorporating notes such as woods, resins, labdanum, saffron, hints of tobacco, and modern leather compounds to shape the leather scent without it becoming dull or harsh." I believe these rich, warm, smoky fragrances are ideal for this season.

      Shop the Best Leather Scents:

      - Malin + Goetz Leather Eau de Parfum

      - Tom Ford Ombre Leather Eau de Parfum

      - Victoria Beckham Beauty Suite 302 Eau de Parfum

      Cashmere Fragrances

      If you prefer something softer and more subtle, you might want to explore cashmere fragrances. “Cashmeran is a lovely synthetic aroma note also known as Cashmere Wood," explains Phway Su Aye, co-founder of Gabar. "It has a unique and intricate profile that is warm, musky, and slightly sweet, evoking the warmth of skin or a gentle scent lingering on a cashmere sweater." Although Cashmeran is often used in cashmere scents, it isn’t the only option, and a variety of other notes can be incorporated. "We enjoy combining cashmere woods with sandalwood and other musks to enhance the cozy essence. Amber notes can also help create that cashmere sweater sensation," Su Aye says.

      Shop the Best Cashmere Scents:

      - Guerlain Eau de Cashmere Eau de Toilette

      - Phlur Cashmere Skin Body Mist

      - Gabar 05 (LUDLOW) Lull Eau de Parfum

      Suede Fragrances

      Suede jackets are certainly in vogue this season, but suede perfumes are also gaining attention. What I appreciate about suede scents is their versatility. Some are warm and comforting, while others may be musky and alluring. Regardless, they all add a stylish finishing touch to your outfit, much like your favored suede jacket. "When I think about a fragrance, I start with a mood. For me, suede falls under the Earth element, bringing a gentle grounding presence, the soft, warm, lived-in feeling when you touch it," explains Stephanie Hannington-Suen, founder of HOMEWORK. "Earth embodies steadiness and comfort, which I interpret through dry woods, soft spices, and rounded florals. The dry woods establish stability, the soft spices introduce gentle warmth and movement, and the rounded florals provide a smooth, velvety softness. Together, they create a warm and inviting scent that people might associate with suede."

      Shop the Best Su