I Refuse to Put These Perfumes Away When Summer Ends (And I’m Not the Only One)

Emma Caldwell
September 23, 2026

Perfumes are usually one of the first things we change when summer ends. The warmer scents return to the toiletry bag and the fresh notes are relegated until the next year. However, not all light aromas are designed exclusively for the hot months. In fact, some of the fragrances I use the most in autumn belong precisely to that category.

For a long time I associated fresh perfumes with days at the beach and high temperatures. With the years I have discovered that the difference is not so much in intensity as in the notes that compose them. Citrus accords, clean musks, or gentle woods manage to maintain that sense of freshness that remains pleasant all year round without clashing when the temperatures drop.

That’s why, when I look for a perfume for this season, I tend to focus on balanced fragrances that bring luminosity without feeling excessively summery. They are those scents that smell like clean laundry, skin just washed, or an elegant and discreet freshness. Moreover, they have the advantage of easily adapting to both a workday and a weekend plan.

Perhaps that’s why unisex perfumes continue to gain ground season after season. By not conforming to strongly defined olfactory codes, they tend to be more versatile and easy to wear. And even though summer has already faded, there are certain fresh fragrances that still make sense for much of autumn. It is precisely those that continue to occupy a fixed place on my vanity.


Le Cleaning by OBART

Le Cleaning by OBART is a unisex fragrance centered on the sensation of clean skin and freshly showered skin. Soft floral notes mix with musks and light woods to create a fresh, elegant aroma that is very easy to wear daily. It has that clean and comforting character that works just as well in the last days of summer as autumn begins. A perfect option for those who prefer discreet but with personality perfumes.


CK One Essence by Calvin Klein

CK One Essence by Calvin Klein reinterprets one of the great unisex classics with a more intense and enveloping version. Bright citrus notes mingle with green notes and a warm base that adds more depth without losing freshness. The result is a modern, clean, versatile fragrance that preserves the original essence, but with a more lasting presence. Ideal for those seeking a shared perfume that works all year round.


Orange Crush by Fugazzi Fragrances

Orange Crush by Fugazzi is a very original interpretation of citrus perfumes. Orange takes center stage, but it is accompanied by woody and warm notes that prevent it from feeling overly summery. As it evolves on the skin, it gains depth and comfort, always maintaining a very pleasant brightness. A surprising perfume for those who enjoy fresh scents in any season.


Water of Loewe

Water of Loewe is one of those fragrances that never go out of fashion. Inspired by nature and the freshness of the elements, it combines lightness and elegance in a very distinctive way. Its clean and balanced profile makes it an excellent choice to share and to wear daily. Of those perfumes that always fit regardless of the season.


Toy 2 Pearl by Moschino

Toy 2 Pearl by Moschino combines citrus, floral, and woody notes to create a bright and optimistic fragrance. It has a fresh and sunny aura that recalls summer, but also a soft base that allows it to continue being worn when temperatures drop. Its carefree character and versatility make it a very easy option to incorporate into the daily routine. A cheerful perfume that transmits a sense of well-being from the first spray.

Emma Caldwell
Emma Caldwell
I’m Clara Desrosiers, a writer and fashion editor based in Toronto. I founded Backdoor Toronto to explore the intersection of fashion, identity, and culture through honest storytelling. My work is driven by curiosity, community, and a love for the creative pulse that defines this city.