Choosing the right perfume for the office can be a bit tricky – especially if you’re working in a small space with other people. It’s a balancing act: On one hand, you want to be surrounded by a scent you enjoy. On the other, you definitely don’t want your colleagues wondering, “What’s that smell?” That’s why office fragrances should be subtle and built around lighter notes. Scents featuring soft woods, citrus, white florals or musk are a go-to when it comes to a good office fragrance. Another important factor is the fragrance’s sillage: choose a scent with low projection – a light eau de parfum or eau de toilette is usually the best choice.
These notes are subtle – yet noticeable
Light and fresh notes / Citrus or green notes: Fragrances with bergamot, grapefruit, vetiver or fig leaf offer freshness and a sense of lightness – ideal especially for smaller office spaces.
Floral notes: Scents featuring orange blossom (neroli), lily, ylang-ylang or magnolia are feminine, discreet, and still leave a clear impression.
Woody notes: Fragrances with woody components also work well for office wear. Look for notes like cedarwood, sandalwood, cashmeran or Iso E Super – they smell clean, elegant, and understated.
Scents with career potential
Some fragrance notes not only smell great, but also have a noticeable effect. Certain notes are considered to promote communication or create a sense of trust. Lavender, for example, has a calming effect without making you drowsy. Powdery notes like iris and heliotrope also convey professionalism – with a subtle touch of approachability.
