$100 Starter Collection - Fall 2025

Hey guys, Joe A. here with another one for ya’! As many of you know, I started this whole series because when I was in my early to late teens, I never had a lot of cash to throw at fragrances. A $500 starter collection? Laughable for me back then. So I wanted to carve out something realistic, especially for the younger crowd or anyone working the budget, to build a solid, seasonal collection for under a crisp C-Note (yes, even after Uncle Sam takes his cut).

 

This time around we’re diving into Fall, full of crisp air, cozy layers, rich woods, soft leathers and that “rolling into the fire-pit with friends” kind of mood. Here are four frags I believe cover nearly every life situation this season throws at you, from work to date night to casual weekends, and we still stay under $100 total.

 

(Versatile / Dumb Reach)

Coach For Men (100ml ~$24.59)

Retailer: FragranceNet – note: watch for tester/discount codes

 

This one kicks things off with a bang of crispness. Coach For Men opens with green nashi pear, bergamot and kumquat, the kind of fresh that still says “I dressed up even if I’m wearing jeans.” Heart notes of cardamom, geranium and coriander give it that little aromatic twist, while the base of suede, amberwood and vetiver add warmth and grounded masculinity. 

Why it works for Fall: The suede-vetiver base gives just enough weight for cooler days without leaning into heavy “winter coat” territory.

Why it fits the category: If you only pick one fragrance this season that needs to handle casual hangouts, errands, even a spontaneous lunch, this one’s your go-to.

 

(Office / Work / Daytime "Smart Casual")

Curve for Men (30ml ~$22.97)

Retailer: Walmart / FragranceNet – decent budget option

 

Curve for Men opens with spicy green citrus, transitions into amber and woods, giving a bold but not over-the-top finish. It’s woody, slightly spicy, magnetic in that quiet “I’ve got this” kind of way.

Why it works for Fall: Works perfectly when the weather shifts: jacket on, windows cracked, those leafy walks. Balanced enough for day, stylish enough for early evening.

Why it fits the category: Need something that works at the office or class, shows you care about your scent without dominating the space? This is it.

 

(Date Night / Evening Out)

Mont Blanc Legend (100ml ~$11.99)

Retailer: FragranceNet – insane value

 

Mont Blanc Legend features a sweet‐aromatic opening of pineapple, lemon and lavender, moving into apple and rose and settling into oakmoss, tonka bean and cedarwood. It rides that line of playful and classy. 

Why it works for Fall: The sweet-woods base gives it a softly warm finish! It’s great for candlelight dinners, low-lit bars, those nights when you want to be noticed but not loud.

Why it fits the category: Date night calls for something that says “I made an effort” without smelling like you sprayed the entire bathroom. Legend nails the casual-but-sharp vibe.

 

(Night Out / Loud / Statement Maker)

Versace Eros (100ml ~$37.40)

Retailer: FragranceNet

 

Versace Eros is bold: green apple, Italian lemon and mint to open, bolstered by tonka bean, vanilla and cedar in the base. It’s confident, somewhat loud, but in an aftermarket-rocket kind of way. (See smaller sizes if you want less risk.) 

Why it works for Fall: When it’s chilly outside and you’re heading to a bar, club, or loud get-together and you want your scent game to turn up with the music. The apple/vanilla twist gives it a bit of sweetness balanced by woods.

Why it fits the category: Statement nights need a statement scent. This one says “yes, I showed up and I smell good.”

 

What say you, guys? Have you gotten your nose on any of these? Which one catches your attention first? If you haven’t tried them yet, which one are you thinking of grabbing? And for all you budget-minded fragheads out there: does a list like this help you build your rotation without breaking the bank? Love to hear from ya!