Scent Wardrobes Lead Fragrance Trends for Summer 2026

For Summer 2026, it is all about customizing and layered fragrances like fashion—think popping a cardigan over a dress or styling a stack of necklaces. Fragrance can be an olfactive accessory and companies like Nest New York are tapping into this trend with innovations in new product development.

Erwan Le Berrigaud, chief marketing officer of Nest New York, shares his company’s latest fragrance concepts with Happi.

Happi: Tell us about the rise of “scent wardrobes.” How can R&D teams tap into the trend of rotating fragrances by mood, setting and time of day?

ELB: The idea of having a single signature scent is gone and is now evolving into something much more personal and dynamic. Consumers are increasingly building what we call a “scent wardrobe,” choosing fragrances the same way they choose fashion—based on mood, occasion, season, or even time of day. This has made fragrance a form of self-expression that feels fluid rather than fixed.

At Nest New York, we think about fragrance through the lens of occasion and feeling. We often see consumers engaging with scent in one of three ways: as a tool for seduction, as a form of social identity and self-expression, or as something worn purely for themselves to influence mood and well-being. The rise of scent wardrobes reflects this shift, as consumers are no longer looking for one fragrance to do everything. Instead, they are curating different scents for different moments, emotions, and versions of themselves. 

For brands and R&D teams, this creates an opportunity to think beyond standalone fragrances and instead develop products that work together as a collection. Layering-friendly formats, complementary scent profiles, and fragrance pairings give consumers the freedom to customize their experience and create something uniquely their own.

Happi: How do you layer a fragrance?

ELB: At Nest New York, we see layering as a natural extension of this behavior.

Happi: Any insight on the fruit scent trend and its place in NPD?

ELB: Fruit continues to be one of the most exciting categories in fragrance, but what’s changed is the way consumers are engaging with it. We’re seeing a move away from overly sweet, candy-like interpretations toward more sophisticated, nuanced fruit compositions that feel elevated and wearable. Mango, guava, coconut and other tropical notes are resonating because they offer escapism and optimism while still feeling refined.

Happi: Is there a growing convergence of personal fragrance for a full sensorial summer experience?

ELB: Absolutely. Consumers increasingly view fragrance as a lifestyle category rather than a beauty category.

We’re seeing people curate fragrance experiences across multiple touchpoints. 

Summer is a perfect example. Consumers gravitate toward scents that evoke travel, sunshine, and escape, and they’re seeking those same feelings both on their skin and in their living spaces.

Happi: Any future trends we need to look out for in Fall 2026?

ELB: One trend I expect to continue gaining momentum is the evolution of grownup gourmand fragrances.

We’re also seeing continued interest in personalization, layering across formats and fragrances that evoke emotion and comfort. Consumers want scents that feel adaptable to their lifestyle and can transition seamlessly from one season to the next.