The best modern scents balance
strength and sophistication
Autumn sharpens the senses, doesn’t it? The crisp air makes fragrances feel richer, the layers of wool and leather catch and carry scent differently, while the season practically demands something warm, grounding and a little dark. This is why a woody cologne comes in clutch this time of year.
Of course, woody fragrances have always been a cornerstone in men's grooming arsenals. They're masculine and a little mysterious. But Fall 2025 brings some fresh twists and there's a scent out there to match anyone's personal style. Perfumers are layering classic cedar, sandalwood and vetiver with modern touches—from mineral notes and citrus brightness to dark, smoky gourmand elements—that keep these scents versatile and adaptable. They're not just barbershop musks or heavy powerhouses for nights out. These new formulas that balance strength with sophistication, making them as wearable in the office as they are on a weekend date.
TOM FORD knows deep, dark, rich scents. This fragrance is built around palo santo wood, known for giving off a smoky yet cleansing energy. Sweet resins and incense spices combine to create a scent that feels both meditative and undeniably seductive—ideal for crisp fall nights.
Ébène Fumé eau de parfum,
from $75 by TOM FORD
If you want woody freshness, Eremia delivers. It opens with green citrus and florals, then settles into dried vetiver grass and cedar. But the scent retains a mineral edge that keeps it feeling sharp. It's a contemporary, untraditional woody cologne that works perfectly for daytime wear.
Eremia eau de parfum,
$200 by Aesop
This fragrance is wood in its purest, most minimalist form. Bright, dry cedar is softened with warm musk and dried roses, creating a clean scent that calls to mind a modern dry sauna. It's sleek and versatile, with a Scandi-modern kind of elegance.
Super Cedar eau de parfum,
$235 by Byredo
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This one has become a beloved and reliable fall classic and for good reason. Sweet, smoky and incredibly inviting, this fragrance blends roasted chestnut and warm vanilla with dried woods and smoky guaiac. It's the olfactory equivalent of cracking open an old book under a cashmere blanket beside a crackling fire—comforting yet alluring.
‘REPLICA’ By the Fireplace eau de toilette,
$170 by Maison Margiela
A surprisingly modern take from the British brand, Hero Parfum is deeper, smokier and more intense than the original. Cedar wood is the clear star here, with a trio of cedar oils blended with a touch of pine, accented with spicy and sweet cypriol and amyris oil.
Hero eau de parfum,
$163 by Burberry
A woody everyday fragrance with a lighter touch, YSL's cologne balances fresh orange blossom with a warm base of patchouli and woods. The result is bright and clean yet grounded—a perfect transitional scent that feels timeless yet modern. It's a surprising twist of the traditional woody fragrance, but that's what makes it refreshing.
MYSLF eau de parfum,
from $99 by Yves Saint Laurent
Released in 1978, Ralph Lauren’s first cologne (also known as Polo Green) is a sophisticated and moody fragrance known for its masculine scent that’s a mix of worn leather, dried tobacco, and fresh-cut pine.
Polo eau de toilette,
$116 by Polo Ralph Lauren
Match
the Mood
Go with fresher, mineral-tinged scents (like Aesop Eremia) for daytime and save smokier blends (like By the Fireplace) for evening.
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