Colonia wears with an easy confidence that, for a lack of a better word, just feels Italian, like an impeccably rumpled suit or an afternoon spent wandering Milan. The bright citrus gradually gives to aromatic herbs and smooth woods, leaching behind something that’s crisp and understated.

Just keep in mind that this is an eau de cologne, so don’t expect it to stick around all day. That’s simply the nature of concentration. If longevity is a priority, the exemplary Colonia Il Profumo is a richer, longer-lasting interpretation that’s well worth considering, too.

The Office Pick: Hermès Terre d’Hermès Eau Givrée

Oh, do I love the Terre family. I’ve worn every iteration, from the woody, smoky original to the verdant, vetiver-heavy Eau Intense Vétiver, but the slightly slept-on Eau Givrée has become one of my weekday defaults. Not only is it one of the best fragrances in Hermès’ lineup, but it’s also one of the finest designer fragrances, period.

Think of it as a brighter, more refreshing take on the original Terre. Citron bursts upon first spritz before crisp juniper berry lends an icy, gin-like freshness, all grounded by the mineral, flinty DNA that made the original such a legend. Maybe it’s the juniper, but it gives off a bit of Mad Men energy, which is just another way to say it’s very office-friendly.

The Mood-Boosting Pick: Dior Paradise

Francis Kurkdjian rarely misses, and straight from Dior’s La Collection Privée comes one of 2026’s freshest launches: Paradise. GQ commerce director Michael Nolledo has been testing the scent all summer, and as he put it, “it kicks off like a citrus Starburst” with bright orange and mandarin, “but before it gets sugary, the creamy almond settles in and gives it a rich velvety quality that smells ridiculously good.”