Should I wear perfume to work?
To Scent or Not to Scent?
Wearing fragrance to work requires a delicate balance. The right scent can boost your confidence and make you feel ready for anything, but a wrong choice can overwhelm the space or, even worse, irritate your colleagues.
The secret is to choose more discreet, sophisticated scents that stay close to the skin. A quick guide to work-friendly fragrances that will give you the freshness you want, without “stealing the show.”
-
Why Workplace Fragrance Matters
Fragrance is personal, and in a shared workspace, ‘less is more’ often applies. Strong, heavy scents can be disruptive in meetings or small workspaces. A work-friendly fragrance should:
- Evoke cleanliness and professionalism
- Last all day without being overpowering
- Complement your presence, not ‘shout’ it
Think of it as an “invisible” accessory – it’s only noticeable when someone is standing close to you.
-
How to Choose One
Certain fragrance families are inherently lighter and more suitable for professional environments:
- Fresh/Citrus: Think lemon, neroli, and grapefruit
- Green: Subtle and “clean,” like freshly cut grass and green tea
- Light Florals: Soft, airy flowers such as peony, lily of the valley, and freesia
- Aquatic/Marine: Revitalizing, like a sea breeze
- Soft Musks: Clean scents like a “second skin,” intimate and low-key
What to avoid: overly heavy categories like rich orientals, intense patchouli, or gourmand fragrances that smell distinctly “sweet” (like vanilla, chocolate, or caramel).
-
How to Wear It
Spray sparingly – 2-3 sprays are enough. Alternatively, get your fragrance in a Body Oil (dry body oil) for hydration and a subtle scented effect combined!
Stick to pulse points – spray on your wrists and neck. Avoid spraying your clothes directly.
Don’t re-spray in crowded areas – if needed, apply your fragrance in the bathroom or an open space.
Try an alternative – if you don’t want to part with your favorite, but rather strong, fragrance, try a Body Mist for a more discreet effect.
-
What to Choose
Most major houses offer fragrances with fresher, subtler, or lighter notes, providing options more suitable for work hours. In many cases, your favorite fragrance might already come in a lighter version, making the choice easy! If, however, you don’t know where to start, we at Parfumerie No. 12 would be delighted to help you choose the scent that will highlight your elegant, sophisticated, and perfectly professional self!
In a nutshell…
At the office, your fragrance should whisper, not shout. Fresh, light, and clean scents create the perfect balance – they help you feel put-together without going overboard. Remember: the best work-friendly fragrance is one that makes you feel confident, while simultaneously respecting the shared workspace.