From the moment I begin sensing a slight chill in the air and spot the magical reappearance of twinkle lights adding sparkle and shine to the world around me, I know it is finally time for my annual rewatch of my favorite holiday movie: Nancy Meyers' 2006 masterpiece The Holiday. The story follows two seemingly opposite women Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet) and Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) who, to escape their similarly drama-filled lives, agree to switch homes for two weeks over the holiday season on opposite sides of the world after finding each other online. Of course, in true rom-com nature, both of our protagonists end up getting much more than they originally bargained for.
While I'll never be able to dive into the world of The Holiday and reenact it scene for scene, I love discovering new fragrances that are reminiscent of my favorite moments in movie history. This time around, I've identified 16 different scents I believe the leading ladies of this holiday classic would wear, plus a few picks that remind me of the movie's magic-filled locations. Keep scrolling to see which fragrances have officially made the list.
(Image credit: Simon Mein/Shutterstock; Sony Pictures/Shutterstock; original art by Jamie Brown)
1. Donna Karan Cashmere and Tunisian Neroli Eau de Parfum
Donna Karan
Cashmere & Tunisian Neroli Perfume
Scent Type: Citrus floral
Key Notes: Bergamot, neroli, cedarwood
When we're first introduced to Amanda Woods, she's in the midst of a breakup with her unfaithful longtime partner. Minutes later, Amanda is on the computer looking to reclaim her independence and a change in pace from her fast-moving, Los Angeles–based life. This perfume reminds me of Amanda because it was inspired by the layers of women: starting with a burst of zesty citrus before shifting into a burst of luminous florals and smooth cedarwood.
2. La Perla Luminous Eau de Parfum
La Perla
Luminous Eau De Parfum
Scent Type: Woody floral
Key Notes: Ambrette seed, jasmine, cedarwood
The image of the fashionable, yet very jet-lagged Amanda Woods trudging through the wintery scene of the English countryside has to be one of my favorites from the film. At this point in the film, she has no plans to switch up her style or outlook on relationships. La Perla's Luminous perfectly captures her infectious energy with a smooth and creamy blend of amber, luscious jasmine, and warm cedarwood.
3. Le Labo Rose 31 Eau de Parfum
Le Labo
Rose 31 Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Spicy floral
Key Notes: Rose absolute, cumin, vetiver, musks, cedar, agarwood, olibanum, amber, guaiac wood, cistus
While Amanda sets out to enjoy her holiday on her own, she ends up throwing away all plans after meeting the handsome Graham (Jude Law) on Iris' doorstep (it's romance with a twist). She strikes me as a centifolia rose girl, especially when the classic note is paired with something unexpected. Labo's Rose 31 opens with a sweeping note of centifolia rose before transitioning into the rustic feel that only the blend of amber, cedar, vetiver, and musk can offer.
4. Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Eau de Parfum
Maison Margiela
Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Sheer spices
Key Notes: Lily of the valley, iris, white musk
Amanda was drawn to the coziness of Iris' small cottage tucked away in the English countryside because it was so different from the life she lived in L.A. Since we can't all book a last-minute flight to the Cotswolds, I like capturing the same feel with a few spritzes of Lazy Sunday Morning by Maison Margiela. It's inviting and cozy, just like Iris' fictional cottage. I also love to experience this same fragrance in its candle form.
5. Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Toilette
Chanel
Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Toilette
Scent Type: Fresh citrus
Key Notes: Citron, jasmine, teakwood
One of the biggest takeaways viewers can end this Nancy Meyer film with is the importance of taking a chance and stepping out of your comfort zone to kick-start a new chapter of your life. By the end of the movie, Amanda finally steps into the most confident version of herself. Chanel's Chance Eau Fraîche inspires a similar sentiment in its wearer with a fragrant blend of orange zest, soft jasmine, and vibrant teakwood.
Merit
Retrospect L’Extrait de Parfum
Scent Type: Warm spices
Key Notes: Bergamot, pear, ambrette, aldehydes, jasmine, rose, rosemary, violet, orris, vanilla, musk, moss
While at times Amanda comes across as being very direct and nonchalant about all things concerning the heart, we see another side of her once she opens herself up to the possibility of starting a relationship without all the answers. Retrospect L'Extrait smells exactly like the coziness of being with a loved one, once all things have been said and done. Plus, the chic and modern design of the bottle is something I could imagine being on her vanity table.
7. Aerin Amber Musk Eau de Parfum
Aerin
Amber Musk Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Warm spices
Key Notes: Rose centifolia, amber, musk
We've already confirmed that I picture Amanda as a rose centifolia girl, so I also think she would love this warm and spicy eau de parfum by Aerin for an everyday scent. Inspired by snow-covered mountains and evergreen trees, Aerin's Amber Musk offers elegant rose centifolia backed by warm amber and velvety musk. To me, it smells like being wrapped in a cozy cashmere blanket or a well-worn sweater. What's more The Holiday than that?
8. Byredo Rose of No Man's Land Eau de Parfum
Byredo
Rose of No Man's Land Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Warm floral
Key Notes: Pink pepper, Turkish rose petals, raspberry blossom, Turkish rose absolute, papyrus, white amber
Here's another rose-based fragrance I like to wear when I'm in the mood to embrace my inner Amanda Woods (more specifically, after her exit from Los Angeles). It's built around Turkish rose petals and features top notes of pink pepper complemented by rose petals, rose absolute, and raspberry blossom. We're then greeted with the warmth of papyrus and white amber for a clean finish.
(Image credit: Moviestore/Shutterstock; Sony Pitcures/Shutterstock; original art by Jamie Brown)
1. Maison Margiela Replica Coffee Break Eau de Parfum
Maison Margiela
Coffee Break Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Warm spices
Key Notes: Coffee accord, red apple accord, lemon essence, lavender essence, milk mousse accord, sandalwood essence
When I think of Iris, I think of the Coffee Break Eau de Parfum by Maison Margiela. This cozy and inviting scent captures the warmth a cup of coffee from your favorite cafe can bring on an especially cold winter day. While I'm not a huge coffee drinker, I absolutely love the shot of coffee accord paired with the crisp sweetness of red apple and zesty lemon essence. The standout notes for this fragrance are its cozy lavender and creamy milk mousse.
2. Jo Malone London Peony and Blush Suede Eau de Parfum
Jo Malone London
Peony and Blush Suede Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Classic floral
Key Notes: Red apple, peony, jasmine, rose, gillyflower, blush suede
I'm always reminded of classic floral fragrances when I think of Iris' quirky and kind personality. The peony and blush suede scent combines blooming peonies with the opulent notes of jasmine, rose, and gillyflower. The stars of the show, however, are the additions of juicy red apples and whispers of honey. I know I'll be bringing this one the next time I find myself in the English countryside living out my deepest The Holiday fantasies.
3. Prada Infusion d'Iris Eau de Parfum
Prada
Infusion d'Iris Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Powdery floral
Key Notes: Iris, neroli, mandarin, benzoin
While this scent does share a name with The Holiday's British protagonist, I've drawn the connection based on the positive energy I feel when I wear it. Infusion d'Iris Eau de Parfum by Prada combines powdery, fresh florals with a hint of musky woods using notes of soft iris, delicate neroli, and warm benzoin to create a unique second-skin scent that's beyond cozy and familiar. I also love its vintage-inspired bottle with a green-tinted hue and green cap in Saffiano.
4. Chloé Chloé Eau de Parfum Naturelle
Chloé
Chloé Eau de Parfum Naturelle
Scent Type: Woodsy floral
Key Notes: Cedrat essence, assis bourgeon absolute, organic rose essence, neroli essence, cedar essence, mimosa absolute
While I can relate to both Amanda and Iris throughout the film's plot, it's Iris I see myself in the most. She strikes me as someone who seeks the small comforts in life but has to learn how to stay true to her heart when faced with change. When I think of natural, second-skin fragrances that best embody Iris' personality, this fragrance comes to mind. It combines luxury and nature in a scent with a 100% natural origin fragrance with rose at its heart and woody notes at its base.
5. By Rose Jane Leila Lou Perfume
By Rosie Jane
Leila Lou Perfume
Scent Type: Fruity floral
Key Notes: Pear, jasmine, freshly cut grass
Of all the fragrances I wear that remind me of Iris, the Leila Lou Perfume feels the most youthful. This is the first fragrance to be created in the By Rosie Jane collection and is the culmination of fresh, juicy pear, soft jasmine, and energizing freshly cut grass that feels casual and sensual. It dries soft and layers very well with classic floral scents and those that are slightly spicy.
6. Burberry Her Eau de Toilette
Burberry
Her Eau de Toilette
Scent Type: Classic floral
Key Notes: Green pear, strawberry blackcurrant, pink peppercorn, honeysuckle, peony, rose, lily of the valley, musk, cedarwood
I'm drawn to blooming peony fragrances year-round, but I consider winter to be one of the best seasons for matching the powdery freshness of the flower with musks and warm spices. One of my favorites, Burberry's Her Eau de Toilette, features notes of juicy green pear, honeysuckle, rose, and soft wood notes. I can imagine Iris choosing this one as her go-to scent for lighthearted dates with Miles.
7. Antica Farmacista Cozy You Eau de Parfum
Antica Farmacista
Cozy You Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Floral musk
Key Notes: White musk, amber, white florals, heliotrope, ripe peach, tonka bean, cashmeran, vanilla, sandalwood
Antica Farmacista's Cozy You Eau de Parfum exudes RomCom realness with notes of creamy white musk, amber, and white florals that are as easy to wear as your favorite soft T-shirt (not to mention it will earn you endless compliments. While it's certainly a powdery, fresh floral, your senses will also pick up on the presence of sheer spices with the addition of tonka bean and cashmeran. I'm sure it would be an in instant favorite of Iris' to wear in the comfort of her cottage.
8. The Maker Dream Eau de Parfum
The Maker
Dream Eau de Parfum
Scent Type: Warm spices
Key Notes: Vanilla bourbon, cinnamon butter, amber, magnolia
There are so many dreamy scenes in The Holiday that it was hard to ID just one scent that's reminiscent of all. That being said, the Dream Eau de Parfum by The Maker is as close as I can get to a fragrance I think Iris would wear for the bulk of her most playful and romantic scenes during her two-week home swap in Los Angeles.
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