Clothes, Hair & Makeup

When it comes to fragrance in the office, “the rule of thumb is less is more,” says corporate etiquette expert Carly Drum of Drum Associates in New York City. If your co-worker’s scent is bothering you, then it’s likely a nuisance to others as well. Do him a favor by speaking up — just be tactful. In private, explain the problem directly and diplomatically. Drum suggests saying: “Your cologne smells nice, but wearing too much of it here could earn negative attention from co-workers.” She notes that some people have an allergic reaction — like headache or sneezing — to strong colognes and perfumes, so that’s worth gently adding, too.