Shecky’s

For the fashion-conscious, the transition from summer to fall is always vexing. Too soon for cashmere sweaters and a tad too late for halter dresses. The same dilemma presents itself when choosing a transitional fragrance.

Most summer fragrances are light and fresh, relying heavily on citrus notes. Fall fragrances, on the other hand, are much warmer and darker, with deep floral and wood notes. Is there a middle ground? Look for fragrances that balance light and dark, citrus and woodsy. Here are a few summer-fresh scents that are amazing any season, plus a candle that smells like summer year-round.

The ruby red grapefruit, tangy guava and lemon blossom notes in Thymes Agave Nectar Cologne ($32) are perfectly balanced by the sweet scent of agave nectar, creating a fragrance that is sweet, warm and fresh all at the same time.

One of the first fragrances to be able to claim that 98% of its ingredients are naturally derived, Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.1 ($78) is a heavenly combination of citrus, herbs and spices. Mandarin, bitter orange, lavender and lemon keep it fresh, while cardamon, nutmeg, bergamot and coriander give it a depth appropriate for the cool fall weather.

Laid-back and simple, sunny and fresh, Star Jasmine Solid Perfume ($9) from Pacifica captures the feeling of cool mornings by the shore. Sweet-smelling star jasmine and bright orange mingle with lush driftwood to create a combination that’s neither too sweet nor too pungent.

Inspired by just-ripe autumnal pears and blossoming freesias, Jo Malone’s English Pear & Freesia Cologne ($55) is simple, fruity and floral—warm enough for the cool months and fresh enough to infuse them with a summery feel. Like other Jo Malone fragrances, this one can be worn alone or layered with others, such as Pomegranate Noir for colder days or Orange Blossom for milder ones.

Create the perfect late summer ambiance at home with these deliciously clean and seductively scented candles. Sweet, summery honeysuckle is blended with bitter orange and mandarin in Laura Slatkin’s Sprig Honeysuckle and Bitter Orange Scented Candle ($19.50 at Belk), creating a fragrance that is both inviting and sophisticated.

-Evie Maciel of ProductPasha.com

The Product Pasha has been buying things for as long as she can remember. For almost as long, she has suffered the indignity of purchasing subpar goods, lured by too-good to-be-true advertising. An educator by trade, the Pasha has turned her critical and expository skills on the world of consumer products, sampling everything from lip balm and mascara to digital cameras and designer chocolates with one goal in mind: to save the world from suffering similar indignities. Caveat Emptor!

GIRL TALK TIME: What summer scents will you miss? What fragrances get you psyched for fall? Will you switch over any of your perfumes?