Scent is memory. One breath, and you’re back on the harbor in Newport, wrapped in salty air and sunshine. For me, fragrance has become a ritual—part of how I travel. It sets the mood for my stay, adds intention to the moment, and becomes a sensory keepsake once I’m back home.
In summer, that ritual becomes even more meaningful.
That’s why I’ve created what I call a summer travel fragrance wardrobe—a small but powerful collection of scents curated to match the mood of the season and the places I visit across New England. Just like you pack linen dresses for a Cape weekend or sandals for wandering cobblestone streets, I pack fragrances to fit the vibe.
Why Pack a Scent for Summer?
Scents are emotional anchors. A spritz of citrus might bring you back to an afternoon in Kennebunkport. A whisper of neroli can feel like golden hour in Watch Hill. Wearing the same fragrance throughout a trip allows you to revisit it again later—just spray and you’re transported.
And in summer, when travel bags get lighter and moments feel more fleeting, fragrance is a luxe little detail that takes up no space but leaves a lasting impression.
Summer Scents by Mood & Locale
Here are my favorite fragrance profiles for classic New England summer escapes:
🌊 Coastal Escape
Think: Newport, Cape Cod, Mystic
Notes: Salt air, neroli, coconut, bergamot, driftwood
Favorites:
- Maison Margiela Beach Walk – sunshine and sea spray in a bottle
- Le Labo Another 13 – woody, clean and unisex like warm skin
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue – citrus, apple, and effortlessly cool
Smells like: Morning walks by the water, sand between your toes, coastal breezes with no agenda
🌸 Garden & Brunch Vibes
Think: Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket patios, Portsmouth afternoons
Notes: Peony, citrus, mint, white florals
Favorites:
- Chanel Chance Eau Tendre – soft floral with a sparkling twist
- Glossier You – fresh, musk and just-out-of-the-shower vibes
- Jo Malone BlackBerry & Bay – blackberry and bayleaf, fresh and fruity in a dewy garden
Smells like: Linen dresses, farmer’s markets, that “endless summer” feeling
🌅 Golden Hour Evenings
Think: Boston rooftops, Providence date nights, coastal dinners
Notes: Clean, vanilla, soft musk, fig
Favorites:
- Giorgio Armani Si Passione – fruity fresh but make it seductive
- Lattafa Ajayeb Dubai – green mango & creamy sandalwood
- Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt – earthy, breezy, slightly mineral
Smells like: Aperol spritzes, sundresses, laughter echoing down cobblestone streets
Travel-Friendly Fragrance Tips
- Go mini: Opt for travel sprays, rollerballs, or solid perfumes for carry-on ease.
- Pack intentionally: Store scents in your skincare pouch or makeup bag.
- Scent your space: Lightly mist your pillowcase, robe, or the inside of your weekender to make your stay feel luxurious.
Your summer scent wardrobe is more than fragrance—it’s a way to carry the feeling of the trip home with you. Whether you’re hopping a ferry to the islands or escaping to a quiet coastal town, let your scent become part of the story.
This season, pack light—but don’t forget the perfume.
Want more scent pairings for your favorite New England spots? Or tips on how to layer fragrances for beach-to-dinner transitions? Let us know—this could become a series.
