Wearing perfume to work requires a great deal of balance. You want to smell good, even great. But not like you are attempting to choke the entire accounting department. The ideal office scent is elegant, subtle, and very self-assured. It must complement your presence, not announce your presence across three desks.

Here are eight great options from mensfragrance.co.uk that qualify as sophisticated, professional, and safe for a shared space.

Myslf by Yves Saint Laurent: Clean and modern

Myslf is a freshly showered but elevated smell. It begins with a fresh orange blossom and settles into a smooth woody bottom. It has a soft glow that looks refined without making much effort. Perfect for fellows who prefer to smell natural.

Interlude Black Iris by Amouage: The tamed rebel

The original Interlude is an incense bomb, but it is very loud. Black Iris perfects it. The iris note smooths out the smoky edges. That makes it smoother and more wearable. It maintains personality in the office.

Le Male Elixir by Jean Paul Gaultier: Sweet and soft

Le Male Elixir warms us with vanilla and amberwood, but it is more refined and reined than its clubbing-style forerunners. Just imagine it as your colleague who smells good but does not fill up the break room.

Absolu Aventus by Creed: Daring but in control

Aventus is dauntlessly audacious. But Aventus Absolu is a bit cleaner and fresher without losing the classic pineapple-woody flavor. It is the type of smell that says, ‘’I am good at work,’’ without screaming, ‘’I am trying to get a promotion.’’

Imitation by Amouage: Classic elegance

Imitation is classic with the aldehydes and the powdery notes. It is unexpectedly light. It is like the smell of a fresh white shirt. The fragrance is quite nostalgic, but entirely classy. It will not be disruptive in an open office plan.

Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford: Bold and confident

When overdone, Tuscan Leather can be overpowering. But with a single light application, it becomes a statement of low-key luxury. The raspberry-leather combination is sophisticated and assertive. Perfect for office wear. The key is to spray sparingly.

Pour Homme by Worth: Old-school gentleman energy

This one does not attract much attention. So, it is just right in the office. It is fragrant, a bit herbal, and contains the old cologne DNA without smelling old-fashioned. It is the fragrance version of holding the elevator door open to somebody: gracious and welcome

Born In Roma Rockstud Noir by Valentino: Dark but polite

Rockstud Noir is earthy and a little sweet with a woody underpinning. It is sexy and cooled down to a professional level. Think of it as a mysterious coworker energy.

The takeaway

It is more about the application than the fragrance. Even the most office-safe perfumes can get claustrophobic when sprayed on like you are heading to a music festival. Two sprays at most: one to the chest, one to the back of the neck, and you are good to go.