Seasonal rules? Toss them. These cold weather perfumes are unexpectedly some of the best summer fragrances I’ve worn this year.
For decades, the fragrance world seemed to operate under a rigid set of seasonal rules. Scents were divided into daytime or evening, office-appropriate or nightlife-ready, summer or winter. But what if the only constant is you? Shouldn’t your fragrance reflect your vibe—not the weather forecast?
Having recently moved to Madrid, I’ve been surprised to find that three perfumes I normally reserved for the colder months are absolutely thriving in the dry, searing heat of June. And not only that—each has sparked compliments from complete strangers (a rare win for someone who swears by subtle silage).
If sweating through linen means rethinking fragrance, I’ve found my loophole. Let me explain.
My usual scent preferences lean toward crisp, light, and green. I gravitate toward Neroli, citrus peels (Pomelo, especially), dry musks, and anything that smells like an iced spritz on a breezy terrace. These are the kinds of perfumes I wear year-round, much like I used to drink rosé no matter the season.
The three below? Nothing like that. And yet… here we are.
Aesop — Gloam
While I adore Aesop’s hand soap and body scrub lineup, Gloam is the only fragrance from the brand I genuinely enjoy—and I enjoy it a lot. This is my second bottle, and it made the cut for our move to Spain, which says a lot. Aesop scents tend to open bold and brooding, but Gloam is quieter. It wears like skin and soft fabric, built around powdery Iris, warm Mimosa, and a thread of Saffron that gives it depth without heaviness.
Yes, it’s technically woody, but it doesn’t scream for attention. In fact, I can barely detect the incense that typically dominates Aesop’s olfactory signature—and I’m grateful. Somehow, it wears beautifully in 100-degree heat. Think cashmere-weight comfort without the sweat.
$200 (50ml) at aesop.com or neimanmarcus.com
Vyrao — I Am Verdant
When Vyrao sent me I Am Verdant, I expected summer in a bottle. Something leafy and sheer. Instead, I got a rich, mossy garden scent—not quite dark, but certainly moody. Imagine sharp green stems, roots tugged from damp earth, an herbal edge, and a haze of smoke rising in the distance. It’s a complex green floral for those who think traditional florals are a bit too polite.
Despite its weight, I Am Verdant holds its own in the Madrid sun. It’s one of those scents that makes people lean in—and yes, a stranger at a crosswalk once did, just to say something nice. I may never recover.
$190 (50ml) at violetgrey.com or 135€ at vyrao.com
The Maker — Lover
Lover doesn’t whisper—it settles in and makes itself at home. The most tenacious in The Maker lineup, it clings to skin and fabric like it has no intention of leaving. It’s sexy, sure—but in that quietly smug way, like it knows you’ll be thinking about it later.
What stands out is the balance: earthy suede, sandalwood, and vetiver softened by a green fig note that keeps things from skewing sweet. There’s pepper, too, threading it all together with a gentle heat. My initial impression? A fall scent. But somehow, Lover behaves in the summer heat—never overwhelming, never cloying, and honestly, a little bit addictive.
$175 (50ml) at sephora.com or bluemercury.com
Frequently Asked
Can I wear cold weather perfumes in summer?
Yes—especially if you’re somewhere dry or breezy. Richer fragrances can surprise you in high heat when worn sparingly.
What are the best summer fragrances that started as winter scents?
For me: Aesop Gloam, Vyrao I Am Verdant, and The Maker Lover. Each brings unexpected depth to summer wear.
