The Biggest Fragrance Trend This Year Will Make You Feel Nostalgic for Junior High

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In 2025, fragrance trends are switching things up with the return of some classic scents (yes, we’re talking about vanilla!) and focusing on versatile and customizable aromas unique to the wearer. Whether you like warm and spicy, sweet and fruity, or floral and musky, there are so many different perfume trends to try out this year. 

We’re spilling the tea and sharing what experts say about these trends, plus the best perfumes from Lancôme, Le Labo, Merit, and more to spritz head-to-toe. 

2025 Perfume Trends at a Glance

• Vanilla Fragrances: Lancôme La vie est belle Eau de Parfum, $35+
• Fruity Fragrances: Lancôme La vie est belle L’Elixir Eau de Parfum, $35+
• Gender Neutral Perfume: Le Labo Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum, $107+ 
• Unisex Perfume: Dossier Citrus Tea, $43
• Sweet Gourmands: Le Labo You Rêve Eau de Parfum, $78
• Versatile Musks: Merit Retrospect™ L’Extrait de Parfum, $34+
• Natural Fragrances: By Rosie Jane Rosie Eau de Parfum, $80

What Are the Big Fragrances to Watch for in 2025?

Vanilla Fragrances

The sweet aroma of vanilla is back in style in 2025. “Vanilla is one of the most widely loved scent profiles because it’s comforting and nostalgic,” says Lauren Lovelady, Founder & CEO of Each & Every.” In 2025, it is evolving beyond its classic sweet profile to become more complex and sophisticated,” she adds, noting how it’s now usually paired with deeper, woodier, and even floral notes to “create a more layered, nuanced fragrance.” 

Fruity Fragrances

Fruity scents are also in this year, with plum and fig at the top of the list of favorites. “Fruity fragrances have gotten more innovative, and there are such interesting notes that we can play with now,” says  Bee Shapiro, a fragrance expert and Ellis Brooklyn founder. 

Floral and Rose Fragrances 

Floral notes are also a focus this year. “Ever since Parfums de Marly’s Delina made rose fragrances fresh and chic again, brands have been exploring new ways to tell a rose perfume storm,” says Shapiro. In addition to rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, and iris are popular scents in 2025. 

Unisex and Gender Neutral Fragrances 

2025 is also about gender-neutral and unisex scents, and Lovelady says these kinds of perfumes are the ones to watch this year. “We are seeing more traditionally masculine notes like leather, wood, and spice blend with more traditionally feminine notes like rose, jasmine, or vanilla to create really dynamic gender-neutral fragrances that can be enjoyed by all,” she explains. 

Gourmands Fragrances 

While perfume shopping in 2025, Shapiro says to look for more and more gourmand fragrances to hit the shelves. “Desserts come to life is still the storyline in perfume and, especially come fall, expect more twists on gourmand than ever before,” she notes. 

Versatile Musks

Musks are always in style, but this year, it’s all about versatile musks that can be worn year-round (not just seasonally), as well as options with a more personalized touch. This common perfume scent shows up a lot in unisex formulas, but it’s also popular in more unique elixirs like floral and fruity aromas. 

Natural Fragrances 

“Consumers are increasingly drawn to fragrances made from natural, responsibly sourced ingredients,” says Lovelady. In addition to natural ingredients, she notes that people are also more enticed by perfumes that have a fresh and natural scent. “We’ve seen the emergence of earthy notes like vetiver be combined with bright fragrance notes like citrus to create a balanced yet truly natural fresh scent.” 

In addition to these scent trends, Lovelady says fragrance layering is an emerging trend in 2025. “People are moving toward more personalized fragrance experiences by layering multiple scents,” she notes. “It’s about creating a unique, signature fragrance that reflects individual preferences and moods.” 

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