Office ready fragrances are the ones that are easy to reach for, without having to worry about offending people. I tend to avoid very sweet, fruity or heavy (leather, tobacco) fragrances. Here are the ones I have in rotation the most and some other recommendations.
Cartier Declaration D’Un Soir
Definitely my favorite of the Declaration line. D’Un Soir adds a hint of rose and has an almost herbal green opening. A very classy scent, without the real spiciness of the EDT/EDP (that can come off a bit body odor-like).
Amouage Reflection Man
Reflection Man is my confidence booster and probably the first fragrance that comes to mind when I think of having serious meetings at the office. Reflection 45 is also a good pick as it dries down similarly, but skips the more floral opening of Reflection Man.
Ella K Poeme De Sagano
This is my second favorite Ella K (behind Melodie D’Altai) and one of the most lovely, unisex, office picks. Fresh citrussy tones with bamboo, make for a unique bright and zen-like scent.
Roja Parfums Isola Blu
Isola Blu, or it’s predecessor Oligarch, are excellent, sharp, mature, citrussy and mossy fragrances for the office. They go in the direction of Terre D’Hermes, but are higher in acidity and tartness.
The Harmonist Royal Earth Parfum [#AD]
A lovely powdery and woody scent with a fruity twist. This parfum adds the fruitiness and feminine leaning touches, versus the more ‘basic’ iris EDP and worth the premium in my opinion.
V Canto Adux [#AD]
I think that in the eyes of many, no office list is complete with Creed Aventus. Adux is my Aventus-esque fragrance of choice at the moment.
Tom Ford Grey Vetiver EDP
Grey Vetiver EDP (or EDT) is my favorite soapy vetiver. Cleaner, fresher and a lot more soapy than for example a Terre D’Hermes. You can wear this all year round and to any occassion.
In Astra Tistar [#AD]
One of the more intriguing discoveries from last year, is this aromatic, powdery Tistar. Opening fully aromatic, but I get a non-sweet chocolate powder in this as well. Unique and versatile.
Hermes Terre D’Hermes Parfum
The quintessential men’s office fragrance for me has to be Terre D’Hermes. All flankers work, but the Parfum has my preference. For a sharper, brighter version, Eau Givree does a good job (that sits in between the Parfum and Roja Parfums Isola Blu as far as acidity and tartness).
Eight & Bob The Original
The original Eight & Bob, while popular, is somewhat underrated in my book. A rather unique blend of sea breeze, fresh linen with an unexpected hint of hazelnut. One of the most versatile fragrance that I own.
Essential Parfums Fig Infusion
This list leans traditionally masculine, as that is what often comes to mind when I think of office fragrances, but here is an absolute favorite of mine that I think works even better on women. Fig Infusion is my favorite (fresh) fig and the best from this great house.
Parfumerie Particuliere Blue Mandarin
A sharp green citrus cologne, but in extrait concentration. People who love the classics like Dior Eau Sauvage should have Blue Mandarin on their radar. It’s classy, sophisticated and invigorating.