The right scent in summer isn’t just about smelling good—it’s about setting the tone. Whether you’re heading to a rooftop drinks do, jumping on a last-minute city break, or just trying to make it through a sticky Tube ride in style, the perfect fragrance does a lot of heavy lifting. From clean and crisp to warm and bold, here are five standout options that feel right for the season ahead.
Tom Ford Bois Pacifique – Laid-Back Luxe
This one’s for the guy who doesn’t shout to be heard. Bois Pacifique is all golden warmth, thanks to spicy cardamom and turmeric, with iris and incense bringing in a smooth, grown-up vibe. It dries down into a creamy mix of woods and amber—quietly confident, and ideal for long evenings that blur into night. It wears close to the skin, making it perfect for intimate settings or after-dark catch-ups.
Tom Ford Bois Pacifique is priced at £108 for 50ml theperfumeshop.com.
Creed Green Irish Tweed – Timeless Freshness
Still a heavy hitter in the fragrance world for good reason. Green Irish Tweed nails that fresh-out-the-shower energy with lemon verbena and peppermint, then layers in some green notes and sandalwood for staying power. Classy, clean, and probably the easiest way to level up a linen shirt. It’s the definition of all-day freshness, with enough longevity to take you from office to bar without needing a top-up.
Creed Green Irish Tweed is priced at £195 for 50ml creedfragrances.co.uk.
Acqua di Parma Mandarino di Sicilia – Citrus with Substance
If you want something that feels like a weekend on the Amalfi Coast (without the flight), this one delivers. Bright citrus top notes—mandarin, lemon, neroli—are lifted with a sharp green edge from petitgrain, before softening into a woody base. Zesty but never shouty, it’s a solid daytime option for any sun-soaked plans. It’s also surprisingly refined for a citrus scent, making it a great shout for summer weddings or smarter daytime events.
Acqua di Parma Mandarino di Sicilia is priced at £201 for 180ml selfridges.com.
Byredo Bal d’Afrique – Summer Statement
A warm, slightly sweet scent that manages to be fun and refined. Think bergamot, marigold and a bit of vetiver rolling into something rich and head-turning. Bal d’Afrique doesn’t play it safe, but that’s exactly what makes it so good. It’s bold but wearable, and has that intangible “what is that?” factor that makes people take notice—in a good way.
Byredo Bal d’Afrique is priced at £148 for 50ml byredo.com.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Celestia Cologne Forte – Clean Cut Cool
For the guys who prefer their scents light, crisp and barely-there (in the best way). Aqua Celestia opens with blackcurrant, lime and mint for an instant refresh, then leans into soft mimosa and musk for a finish that’s smooth and understated. It’s the fragrance equivalent of a white tee and fresh trainers—simple, sharp, and always a winner.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Celestia Cologne Forte is priced at £115 for 35m harrods.com.
Whatever your summer looks like, a good fragrance helps pull it all together. These five are more than just pleasant—they’ve got presence, personality and the kind of staying power that takes you from day to night without missing a beat.
Think we’re missing a trick? Let us know your go to luxury summer scent in the comments!
