Our Favorite Fragrances for Summer

When winter ends, we strip off layers of heavy clothes and opt for perfumes that are light and airy (and with good reason—heat intensifies fragrance). But that doesn't mean summer's newest offerings all smell the same. These perfumes hit the high notes for us, from a gentle beach breeze and freshly cut flowers to tart, juicy citrus.

Melissa Milrad Goldstein

Published on April 21, 2015

Romantic
Terry de Gunzburg Bleu Paradis is a tropical blend of litchi, rose, and cedar ($195, barneys.com).

Fresh
With hints of bergamot, lemon zest, and mimosa, Clean Cool Cotton channels a clothesline with laundry flapping in the warm air ($69, cleanperfume.com).

Nostalgic
Calyx became a cult favorite as part of the Prescriptives line way back when; now the one-of-a-kind grapefruit and leafy-green scent is back, but at clinique counters ($52, clinique.com).

Elegant
Carven L'eau de Toilette is an easy-wearing mix of sweet pea, white hyacinth, and italian lemon ($79, saksfifthavenue.com).

Lush
An ode to the first few days of spring, when the lilac bushes are in bloom, Aerin Lilac Path rounds out the mix with jasmine and orange flower ($110, aerin.com).

Exotic
Inspired by the scents of Grasse, France, L'Occitane Neroli & Orchidee combines orange blossom and white orchid with mandarin and peach ($75, usa.loccitane.com).