8 Perfumes to Wear to the Office

Ideas for Work-Appropriate Fragrances That Won't Overwhelm Co-Workers

When it comes to wearing perfume at work, it's wise to tread carefully. Some offices ban fragrance entirely, out of sensitivity to employees with allergies or aversions to scent, so check your workplace's policy. Even if perfume is allowed, it's important to choose a light scent that won't annoy or overpower your co-workers. With that in mind, here are our top picks for office-appropriate perfumes.

Elie Saab 'Le Parfum' Eau de Parfum

Elie Saab. Nordstrom

A lovely light and refreshing fragrance that's not too heavy for day, Elie Saab's perfume is, according to the company, "a harmony of white flowers, cedar woods and a drop of honey," all of which, "creates an encounter as feminine as the trail of an evening gown. An addictive, refined fragrance with a Mediterranean spirit. The exceptional in the everyday."

Notes: orange blossom, jasmine, patchouli, rose, cedarwood.

Tory Burch Perfume

Tory Burch 

The first fragrance created by renowned women's designer Tory Burch pairs the unexpected to create a light, crisp scent. The perfume combines "classic elements in unexpected ways," creating fragrance that is both feminine and tomboy, easy and polished. Floral notes — peony and tuberose — blend with crisp citrus notes of grapefruit and neroli, anchored by earthy vetiver, creating a bright and complex mix.

Notes: Neroli, Grapefruit, Cassis, Bergamot, Peony, Tuberose, Jasmine Sambac, Vetiver, Sandalwood.

Infusion d'Iris Perfume for Women by Prada

Amazon 

Prada's slightly woody and floral fragrance, Infusion d'Iris, is subtle enough for work, but also intimate enough for a date night. Mandarin orange combines with an iris heart and woody base notes, for a lovely, gentle effect that stays very close to the skin. It's a subtle and ladylike scent that won't drift over the cubicle wall.

Notes: Mandarin, Orange Blossom, Iris, Vetiver, Frankincense, Benzoin, Galbanum, Cedarwood.

Chanel Eau Vive

Chanel Eau Vive. Nordstrom

Chanel Eau Vive boasts all the sophistication of Chanel, but in a light, bright, airy fun way, making it perfect for the office. It's not overpowering and lasts all day. It's mostly a floral scent some citrus and woody notes.

Notes: Grapefruit, Blood Orange, Jasmine, White Musk, Vetiver. 

Happy Perfume by Clinique for Women

 Clinique

Try this airy and feminine scent for summer. Mandarin orange and pink grapefruit blend with crisp floral notes for a fruity-floral effect that's sure to get smiles in the elevator.

Notes: Ruby Red Grapefruit, Bergamont, Hawaiian Wedding Flower, Spring Mimosa. 

Cashmere Mist Perfume for Women by Donna Karan

 Amazon

As a busy business magnate herself, Donna Karan is an expert at creating fragrances that are wearable for work. Cashmere Mist is one of her best, a powdery floral scent blend built on jasmine, sandalwood and vanilla notes. It's feminine, but light enough for office wear.

Notes: Lily of the Valley, Suede, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine Maroc, Sandalwood, Orris, Amber, Vanilla, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Musk.

L'Eau par Kenzo by Kenzo for Women

The Perfume Spot  

Kenzo created this fresh and cheerful fragrance, L'Eau par Kenzo, and it is a friendly choice for the office. Top notes of cedarwood and wild mint mingle with freshwater florals and peach, creating a scent that’s light, feminine and clean.

Notes: Yuzu, Green Pepper, Lotus Leaf, Mint, Cedarwood, Peach, White Musk.

Amber Splash Perfume for Women by Marc Jacobs

 Nordstrom

Marc Jacobs brings his signature cool chic to Amber Splash, which beautifully captures the essence of autumn. It's a mature concoction of deeper musky notes. Wear this one if you're the boss — or want to be.

Notes: Ginger, Star Anise, Lily, Amber, Cassia, Tonka Bean, Benzoin, Cashmere Wood.