Fragrances for… feeling spooky but fancy

As the nights draw in and a chill creeps through the air, our thoughts turn to all things deliciously dark and mysterious. Halloween may only come once a year, but for fragrance aficionados, the allure of scents that capture that bewitching spirit can be worn whenever the mood takes us.

Far from the realm of cheap tricks or sickly-sweet treats, these fragrances offer a sophisticated take on the spooky season, perfect for upmarket Halloween soirées or any occasion when you wish to feel utterly spellbinding…

Vallense Spirit embodies the very essence of its name, conjuring wisps of spectral mistiness that curls around you like a tender embrace. Mitcham mint whispers to soft, hay-like musk, with fir balsam a forest walk along the way. This is not a scent that shrieks for attention, but rather one that beckons you closer, drawing you into its enigmatic depths, and soothing your very soul.

€220 for 100ml eau de parfum vallensefragrances.com

AKRO Night is for those souls who seek the velvet darkness – a gloriously seductive, scented siren call. Rich, resinous labdanum melds with the animalic allure of castoreum, creating an atmosphere thick with intrigue, while a tendril of vanilla weaves through the composition. One spritz, and you’ll feel as though you’re gliding through moonlit gardens, secrets hanging heavy in the air.

£160 for 100ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

strangelove Deadofnight veritably pulses with a dark, sensual energy that’s impossible to ignore. Oudh takes centre stage, its complex aroma bolstered by the earthy warmth of patchouli and the unexpected sweetness of vanilla. There’s something almost vampiric about its ability to draw you in, leaving you helplessly enthralled in its olfactory allure. We dare you to succumb…

£185 for 15ml eau de parfum harrods.com

Map of the Heart Black Heart beats with a rhythm all its own. Smoky woods swirl around a core of sandalwood, creating an aura of mystery that’s utterly captivating. A hint of spice adds a dangerous edge, whilst cool eucalyptus provides an exquisite contrast. Wearing this fragrance feels like donning an cloak of protection, allowing you to move unseen through the shadows.

£175 for 90ml eau de parfum mapoftheheart.com

Juliette Has a Gun White Spirit may seem the odd one out of this darkly fantastic lineup, but its spectral, nocturnal nature is undeniable. Aldehydes create a shimmering, otherworldly effect, like moonlight on water. Ambrette seed adds a musky warmth that grounds the ethereal top notes, whilst a whisper of iris lends an elegant, powdery touch that feels gossamer light to wear.

£225 for 75ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

Whether worn to an elegant masquerade or simply to add a touch of mystery to an ordinary day, these fragrances prove that the allure of the uncanny is timeless. So go forth, dear readers, and let your inner sorceress shine – for every day holds the potential for a little magic, if only you know where to look (and what to spritz…)

Written by Suzy Nightingale