The Best Fragrances for Work and Play

What's right for evenings: Fendi Palazzo, $85, mixes rose, orange blossom, pepper, and patchouli into a scent that is enticingly both feminine and bold.

What's right for evenings: Gucci by Gucci, $80, smells rich. Tahitian tiare flower is blended with pear and rounded out with honeyed patchouli.

What's right for evenings: Sarah Jessica Parker Covet Solid Perfume, $40, is a provocative, sensuous floral with honeysuckle, Sicilian lemon, chocolate, and musk. Somehow it all smells quite luxurious.

What's right for work: Prada Infusion d'Iris, $90, blends orange blossom, wet-smelling iris, mandarin, vetiver, and incense for a charming, light, bright scent.

What's right for work: Bill Blass, $65, smells like fresh-cut flowers just picked up from the market. Notes of pink hyacinth, lily of the valley, tuberose, and jasmine are simply beautiful.

What's right for work: Banana Republic Malachite, $62, is graceful and uncomplicated, with floral notes of water hyacinth and peony and the warmth of sandalwood. Very easy to wear.

What's right for work: Missoni Acqua, $60, is a buoyant yet stylish scent, with notes of bergamot, melon, peony, and what perfumers call "sole," which is meant to evoke the sun hitting the water. Don't save this for a holiday; treat yourself at your desk.

What's right for weekends: Dior J'adore L'Absolu, $82, is a delightfully intense version of the classic favorite, J'adore. Turkish rose, tuberose, and jasmine combine to make a truly pretty floral. Note: This is a highly concentrated formula, so a little goes a long way.

What's right for weekends: Marc Jacobs Daisy, $70, is free-spirited and sunny, with notes of violet leaves, wild strawberry, ruby-red grapefruit, and vanilla. Playful and sparkling, it feels effortless.

What's right for weekends: Diesel Fuel for Life, $95, is energetic, vibrant, and fruity, with notes of black currant, jasmine, and patchouli. It's the one to spritz on when you need an instant boost.

What's right for weekends: Bond No. 9 Central Park, Chelsea Flowers, and the Scent of Peace, $250, are all different but have a similarly calm appeal. You'll find green and clean (Central Park), chic floral shop (Chelsea Flowers), and optimistic freshness (the Scent of Peace). Bonus: The sleek, small atomizers are perfect for your handbag or travel.

What's right for special occasions: Calvin Klein Euphoria Crystalline Edition, $75, combines juicy pomegranate with black orchid, amber, black violet, and mahogany wood. A modernist head turner.

What's right for special occasions: Yves Saint Laurent Opium Parfum, $269, is a concentrated version of the original. It's opulent yet earthy and warm, with lily of the valley and mandarin balanced by jasmine, amber, and patchouli.

What's right for special occasions: Lancome Tresor Elixir, $67, is a smooth and sexy version of the original, with notes of violet, rose, sandalwood, and vanilla.

What's right for special occasions: Valentino Rock n' Rose Couture, $68, is not for wallflowers. This scent combines succulent black currant with rose, gardenia, and musk for a slightly naughty feel.