In my opinion, visiting the Upper East Side’s Ralph Lauren Flagship should be on everyone’s New York bucket list. There’s nothing quite like entering the restored 19th-century four-story mansion on Madison Avenue and meandering each luxuriously curated floor; you could genuinely make an entire afternoon out of it, complete with a coffee and pastry from Ralph’s next door. I’ve been there quite a bit over the past few months (a great spot for wedding gifts!), and trust me when I say that I’ve never seen it so packed. After scrolling through TikTok recently, I finally understand why: People are going feral for the “Ralph Lauren Christmas” aesthetic.
What is a “Ralph Lauren Christmas,” you ask? It’s rich color stories (think forest green, navy, and burgundy), warm, cozy lighting (ideally pouring from a blazing fireplace), and tons of tartan (well, duh). It’s antique brass finishes, lived-in leather chairs, and equestrian touches that whisper East Coast elegance. It’s nostalgic, in a way, reminiscent of a Hallmark holiday movie set in a sprawling countryside estate. Can you smell the pine yet?
Scent is actually a significant element of the aesthetic—a finishing touch, like the velvet bow atop a Ralph Lauren Christmas tree. It sets the cozy-yet-polished vibe, which is essentially the je ne sais quoi of the entire trend. Fragrance is transformative, after all; as much as I wish I could call the Madison Avenue Flagship home, I can’t exactly adorn my Brooklyn rental with dark wood finishes and a grand staircase. I can, however, invest in scents that evoke that same energy—here, 14 I recommend for all your holiday hosting needs.
Ralph Lauren
Romance Eau De Parfum
I must kick off the list with a Ralph Lauren fragrance, right? With pink pepper, mandarin orange, rose, lily, and jasmine, this spicy floral is the perfect pick if you want to smell crisp, fresh, and clean—a welcome respite from all the cinnamon, clove, and vanilla situations you might experience during the holiday season.
Ralph Lauren Home
Holiday Diffuser
The plaid box itself could double as decor; it’s giving “Ralph Lauren Christmas” in the best way. Packaging aside, this blend of evergreen, red currant, and juniper berry will add a crisp, woody, and slightly sweet aroma to living space.
Loewe
Black Sesame Midi Scented Candle
I know they’re pricey, but Loewe candles are arguably the best fall/winter scents I own. I’ve been burning this Black Sesame number on repeat as of late; it smells incredible (nutty and sweet), and the chrome vessel looks painfully chic.
Ellis Brooklyn
Aprés Eau De Parfum
The ultimate mountain-coded perfume, I’d say. It’s literally the bottled equivalent to crisp, forest air.
Sephora
Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne Intense
Inspired by forest bathing in the Japanese wilderness, this hinoki- and cedarwood-infused fragrance has a fresh, earthy aroma that’s ideal for cozying up by the fire.
Phlur
Somebody Wood Eau De Parfum
Creamy, warm, and sensual, Somebody Wood is like enveloping yourself in a buttery cashmere blanket. The combination of woods and soft musk is especially dreamy.
Henry Rose
Torn Eau De Parfum
If you’re searching for an elevated gourmand scent that doesn’t lean too dessert-like, look no further than Henry Rose’s Torn. The blend of rich vanilla bean and earthy vetiver and sandalwood is downright intoxicating, sans sugar rush.
Abel
Cobalt Amber Eau De Parfum
This perfume was made for holiday soirées. A dazzling blend of pink pepper, cardamom, juniper berry, cacao, tonka, and amber evokes sipping cocktails in a dimly lit jazz lounge.
Lore
Somewhere But Nowhere Eau De Parfum
Per the brand, this cedarwood, cardamom, and vanilla cream blend is an “ode to Americana,” which feels very Ralph Lauren-coded, don’t you think?
Maison Margiela
‘Replica’ by the Fireplace Eau De Toilette
No really, this warm, cozy fragrance smells exactly like roasting chestnuts on a crackling fire. I personally love it year-round, but it absolutely shines in the wintertime.
Kilian Paris
Angels Share Eau De Parfum
Boozy perfumes are deliciously on-trend for winter, and this cognac, tonka bean, and oak wood situation is the ultimate essential, complete with a crystal glass-inspired bottle.
Oak Essentials
Violet Santal Candle
No, “Ralph Lauren Christmas” scents don’t always have to skew dark and moody. This bright floral blend with violet, amber, and Blonde woods never fails to put me in the holiday spirit.
Parfums de Marly
Valaya Exclusif
Valaya is quickly becoming my favorite Parfums de Marly pick (Delina, watch your back!). The floral woody blend just smells expensive. The exclusif version adds a touch of almond, which gives the composition a creaminess that’s perfect for the holiday party circuit.
Diptyque Paris
Myrrhe Classic Candle
Sweet, woody, and leathery, this Diptyque winner is practically made to pair with a timeless cable-knit sweater (courtesy of RL, of course).
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