Many modern fougères blend the classic lavender-oakmoss-tonka structure with marine and citrus accords to suit a lighter, more universally wearable mood that’s proven commercially popular, particularly for everyday and summer wear.

A commercial as well as creative shift

Consumer preference has generally moved toward fresher, more versatile scents that work across a wider range of settings and climates than the deeper, more traditional fougère style suited to formal or cooler-weather wear. Aquatic and citrus notes soften and lighten the classic structure without abandoning it altogether, giving brands a way to keep the recognisable fougère identity while appealing to buyers who want something easier to wear day-to-day, especially in warmer months.

  • Aquatic and citrus notes soften the traditional fougère structure
  • Reflects a wider consumer shift toward lighter, more versatile scents
  • Keeps the recognisable fougère identity while broadening everyday appeal

This doesn’t mean the classic, richer style of fougère has disappeared — it’s simply been joined by a lighter branch of the same family, giving wearers a genuine choice between the traditional structure and a more contemporary, beach-friendly version of it.

Retailers have responded by stocking a wider spread across this spectrum, so shoppers genuinely have more choice within the fougère family today than at almost any point in its history.

Our fragrance families guide and our complete guide to perfume cover how fragrance families evolve like this over time.