Seasonal Scents: To Switch or Not to Switch?

Ahh, to switch or not to switch? That is the great perfume question! Ever found yourself in a perfume predicament, wondering if you should be wearing perfume that matches the seasons? Or are you a "stick to what you love" or "wear whatever the hell you like "kinda person?

You see, some folks swear by a seasonal scent wardrobe. They believe a fruity or floral fragrance is out of place in winter. And a musky, woody fragrance is too heavy for summer. While others think this is all load of, ahem... bulls@%! 

So we thought we'd get our hands dirty and weigh in on this great perfume debate and settle it once and for all: Should you really wear different perfumes in different seasons or not?

 

The Seasonal Switchers: Matching Perfume To Seasons

Alright, let's look at both sides, starting with the seasonal squad. These are the people who wouldn't dream of wearing the same perfume in July they rock in December. Here's why they think switching it up is the way to go.

Weather Watchers: How Temperature Affects Fragrance

Picture this: It's the middle of summer, you're sweating buckets, and you've just applied your favourite heavy, musky perfume. Suddenly, you're enveloped in a cloud of scent so thick you could cut it with a knife and everyone is sputtering around you. Heat and humidity can amplify fragrances, making them seem stronger and more intense.

On the flip side, cold weather can mute scents, making them harder to detect. The dry, cold winter air, inhibits the evaporation of perfume, and you may need to apply more to achieve the same effect.

So, the seasonal switchers argue that you should opt for lighter, fresher scents in summer and save your heavier, more intense fragrances for winter when they won't overwhelm everyone in a 10-kilometer radius.

But wait, there's more to this climate argument! The way our skin reacts to fragrances can also change with the seasons. In summer, when we tend to sweat more, the natural oils in our skin can interact with perfumes, making them smell different. This might mean your usual scent might smell better on you in August than it does in January.

Mood Matchers: Scents To Suit Your Seasonal Vibe

Let's face it, our moods are affected by the seasons. In summer, we're all about that carefree, beachy vibe. In autumn, we're feeling cozy and introspective. Winter has us dreaming of warm fires and hot cocoa, while spring makes us want to frolic in fields of flowers (or is that just us?).

Seasonal perfume switchers opt for fragrances that reflect these moods. Fragrance houses and beauty editorials often encourage the following perfume prescription:

• Spring: Light florals and fresh, green scents
• Summer: Citrusy, aquatic, or tropical fragrances
• Autumn: Warm, spicy scents with notes of cinnamon or pumpkin spice
• Winter: Rich, deep fragrances with notes of vanilla, wood, or incense

Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist and expert on the psychological science of scent,  points out that the seasons themselves smell different to us. So it's no wonder people might choose to wear different fragrances to match them – they are recognising and better enhancing their connection to their environments.

Wardrobe Wonders: Matching Scents to Seasonal Styles

You probably don't wear the same clothes year-round (unless you live in a place with zero seasons, in which case, can we visit?), so people gravitating toward heavier fragrances in winter and lighter in summer are likely reflecting their clothing choices too.

Things like light, airy summer dresses can call for a similarly light and fresh fragrance. While those cozy winter sweaters could be a perfect match for a warm, enveloping scent. 

Cultural Connections: Scents and Traditions

Here's something else the seasonal squad often points out: many cultures have scent traditions tied to specific times of the year. In some parts of the world, certain fragrances are closely associated with holidays or seasonal celebrations.

For example, in many Western countries, the scent of pine and cinnamon is strongly linked to Christmas. In India, the fragrance of jasmine is often associated with warm, summery nights. By changing your scent with the seasons, you might find yourself more in tune with these cultural rhythms.

Anthropologist David Howes says odours play a key role in the formation and expression of cultural identity. So wearing seasonal scents is definitely a way of participating in shared cultural experiences.

 

The "Wear What You Want" Warriors: Why Seasonal Scents Are Nonsense

Now, let's flip the script and hear from the other side. These fragrance rebels believe you should wear whatever the hell you want, whenever you want. Here's their take.

Personal Preference Prevails

The number one argument from this camp? Wear what makes you happy!  Apparently it was the queen of natural perfumery, Mandy Aftel, who said, perfume has no real rules. So if you love smelling like a tropical vacation in the dead of winter, who's gonna stop you? 

If it makes you feel like a million bucks, why limit that to just one season? You deserve to feel awesome all year round!

Signature Scent Superiority

Some people believe in the power of a signature scent – that one fragrance that becomes synonymous with you. They argue that constantly switching up your scent or changing it with the seasons, can dilute your personal brand. Osca de la Renta famously said, “A fragrance is like a signature, so that even after a woman leaves the room, her fragrance should reveal she's been there.”

If you have a signature scent that has become part of your identity, your personal trademark, then why would you want to mess with perfection just because the seasons change? (Read up on why we think signature scents are so difficult to find in 2024).

No Climate Changes

Not everyone lives in a place with distinct seasons. If you're in a tropical paradise or a place where it's winter 11 months of the year (looking at you, Tasmania), the whole seasonal scent thing might not make much sense.

In fact, for many people around the world, the idea of four distinct seasons is pretty foreign. Some equatorial countries might just have a wet season and a dry season... and both are hot!

The "wear what you want" crowd says who cares about the weather.

Scent Memories Don't Have a Season

Our sense of smell is closely linked to memory and emotion. A perfume that reminds you of your first kiss or your favourite vacation won't stop evoking those memories just because the calendar says it's the wrong season. Plus who says you can't take a trip down summer memory lane in winter.

So if a perfume reminds you of a special someone or special someplace, then why not celebrate that happy memory all year round!

Breaking the Rules is Fun

Let's face it, sometimes it's fun to be a rebel. Wearing a heavy, spicy scent in the middle of summer or a light, floral fragrance in winter can be a form of olfactory rebellion. It's your nose, your rules!

Plus, unexpected scent choices can be a great conversation starter. Imagine rocking a beachy coconut scent in the middle of a snowstorm – you're bound to get some interesting reactions!

Switch Your Scent As Often As Your Shirt

Wearing the same perfume every day can be like wearing the same outfit on repeat. Paloma Picasso hits the nail on the head here: "Perfume is like a piece of clothing, a message, a way of presenting oneself." Feeling a different vibe today? Then your fragrance should match your mood. Keep 'em guessing and keep it fresh! Keep that scent wardrobe as dynamic as you are.

The Art of Layering

Here's a pro tip from the fragrance rebels: Instead of switching perfumes entirely, why not try mix and match heavy and light scents? You can create a unique fragrance, wear what you want and give a nod to the season. For example, you could layer a lighter perfume with candy notes on top of a heavier perfume in summer, or vice versa in winter. 

Why settle for off-the-shelf when you can be your own perfumery Picasso? Mix a spritz of ocean breeze with a dash of spicy cinnamon. Create a different signature scent everyday! You’re the boss.

 

The Final Verdict? It's Your Call Babe!

We've laid out the great seasonal perfume debate in all its fragrant glory. But here's the real tea: there's no right or wrong answer. Perfume is personal. Super personal. It's about what makes you feel good, what boosts your confidence, and what just plain makes you happy when you take a whiff.

If the idea of a seasonal scent wardrobe gets you gagging, go for it! Build that collection and switch it up as the leaves start to drop.

But if you've found your ride-or-die fragrance to wear everyday OR you’ve got a large perfume collection you play regular Russian roulette with, then that's cool too!

Remember, the perfume police aren't going to come knocking if you wear your beachy scent in December or your cozy vanilla in July. The only rule in perfume is that there are no rules!

 

Finding Your Own Fragrant Path

Still not sure which camp you belong to? Here are some tips to help you figure out your personal perfume philosophy:

Experiment: Try wearing your favourite summer scent on a cold day, or your winter fragrance when it's warm out. See how it makes you feel.

Keep a Scent Diary: Note down which perfumes you wear and how they make you feel in different weather conditions. You might notice some interesting patterns.

Mix It Up: Don't feel like you have to commit 100% to either approach. Maybe you have a signature scent but also enjoy a few seasonal options.

Trust Your Nose: At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you enjoy how you smell. If it makes you happy, wear it!

Consider Your Lifestyle: If you travel a lot or live in a place with unpredictable weather, a more flexible approach to fragrance might work better for you.

 

Fragrance is meant to be fun! It's a form of self-expression, a mood-booster, and let's be honest, a great excuse to treat yourself. Whether you're Team Seasonal Switch-Up or Team Wear-What-You-Want, the most important thing is to have fun with it. So experiment, explore, and find what works for you.

Now, if you'll excuse me, we are off to swipe on some Cocoloco Nut, because who says you can't smell like a tropical vacation in the middle of an Australian winter?

Till next time, stay sweet!