The really wealthy don’t flaunt their riches… or their perfume. The key to smelling like old money is to pick a subtle, self-assured scent — something that smells like you’re in the know.
Embody the real-wealth aesthetic with woods that are not too heavy and florals that are fresh rather than statement-making. Real wealth never tries too hard; it is more about knowing what works for you and finding a fragrance slightly off the beaten path.
Smell like real wealth with these unconventional aromas
Learn how to smell expensive with perfumes that offer something different.
1. Maison Louis Marie No. 4 Bois De Balincourt EDP
No. 4 Bois De Balincourt EDP takes sandalwood to a new level with a formula that includes cinnamon, nutmeg, cedarwood, and vetiver. The unique dusting of spices in this elegant fragrance provides just enough contrast to show that you are a fragrance connoisseur in the know. What’s more, the keynote of sandalwood is refined, sophisticated, and grounding — and a masterclass in how to smell expensive. Try No. 4 Bois De Balincourt EDP NOW.
2. Liis Ethereal Wave EDP
Liis Ethereal Wave EDP is a white tea fragrance that smells like an expensive spa retreat but without the price tag. Liis is a lesser-known fragrance house, but it is on the pulse-points of everyone in the in-crowd. This scent blends light and dark elements to create a one-of-a-kind fragrance that’s a study in how to smell expensive. This scent blends white tea with black tea that fold into blonde woods and musk. You’ll also pick up hints of cardamom and bergamot that perfectly round off the perfume. Try Liis Ethereal Wave EDP NOW.
3. Gucci Memoire D’Une Odeur EDP
Gucci Memoire D’Une Odeur EDP is a distinctly unique fragrance that has carved out its own fragrance category as a mineral scent! This fragrance provides another take on how to smell expensive: an unconventional perfume that no one can place. This fragrance has earthy, woody, floral, and herbaceous accents, putting it in a class of its own. Memoire D’Une Odeur is French for “memory of scent,” and this fragrance will transport your mind with notes like chamomile, jasmine, vanilla, musk, sandalwood, and cedarwood. This perfume smells expensive without trying — its uniqueness instantly sets it apart. Try Gucci Memoire D’Une Odeur EDP NOW.
5. Commodity Book Personal EDP
Impress your bookish friends with a spritz of Commodity Book Personal EDP. This fragrance captures the essence of real wealth: Things that truly matter to you, like curling up with a good book. This fragrance captures this moment with a blend of sandalwood and cedarwood accented with aromatic black tea. This scent is elegant and subtle, and you have to lean in close to get a whiff of the aroma — highlighting how to smell expensive. Try Commodity Book Personal EDP NOW.
5. Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman Parfum
Smell expensive with Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman Parfum. This perfume contains decadent hemlock — a fir tree — a centuries-old fragrance ingredient that will make you smell like old money. More distinct notes in the base, like violets and grass oil, ensure that this perfume is like nothing you’ve ever smelled before. The creator of Ormonde Jayne perfumes created candles for Chanel before starting her own range, so she knows how to smell expensive! Try Ormonde Jayne Ormonde Woman Parfum NOW!
6. Goutal Eau D’Hadrien EDP
If breezy and uplifting is what you want from your perfume that smells expensive, then Goutal Eau D’Hadrien EDP is the top choice. This timeless fragrance takes your mind to the Mediterranean with invigorating notes like Sicilian lemon, bergamot, green tangerine, Mediterranean cypress, cedrat, grapefruit, and ylang-ylang. This unisex scent is rumored to be Leonardo DiCaprio’s favorite fragrance… and he should know a thing or two about how to smell expensive! Try Goutal Eau D’Hadrien EDP NOW.
7. Perfumer’s Story Twisted Iris EDP
Perfumer’s Story Twisted Iris EDP is an acquired taste, but since it is brimming with rich-smelling notes, it is a taste you’ll probably want to acquire! If a daring iris scent sounds like something you’ll like, then this scent is your gateway to perfumes that smell expensive. The scent blends the keynote of iris with green fig, violet, jasmine, moss, and white musk. This vintage-inspired scent is ideal if you are ready to experiment with a bit more daring scent. Try Perfumer’s Story Twisted Iris EDP NOW.
8. Tocca Florence EDP
Tocca Florence EDP is an elegant white floral that celebrates the charm of aromas like gardenia, violet petals, jasmine, and tuberose. This scent knows how to smell expensive thanks to its classy formula that provides just enough to engage your senses. The elegant composition features white musk and blonde woods in the base, keeping the scent light, refreshing, and bright. Try Tocca Florence EDP NOW!
9. Chloe Nomade EDP
Chloe Nomade EDP is a sophisticated scent that opens with Mirabelle, lemon, and bergamot before fusing with a heart of freesia, jasmine, and rose. The base of patchouli, oakmoss, sandalwood, and white musk leaves an irresistible trail on your skin and is a study in how to smell expensive. This nomadic fragrance is inspired by the idea of new discoveries and encounters, something that feels like real wealth to most. Try Chloe Nomade EDP NOW!
10. Vilhelm Parfumerie Poets Of Berlin EDP
Be in the know with Vilhelm Parfumerie Poets Of Berlin EDP. This perfume smells expensive with notes of blueberry, lemon, bamboo, vetiver, and green wild orris. The fragrance is a celebration of creativity and is named after David Bowie’s Berlin Trilogy. The innovative fragrance will instantly set you apart with its one-of-a-kind aromas. Try Vilhelm Parfumerie Poets Of Berlin EDP NOW.
* If you like perfumes that smell expensive, you’ll enjoy reading about unique aromas like pistachio scents, sweet perfumes, peach fragrances, spicy perfumes, clean scents, woody fragrances, and cherry blossom fragrances. Or, find out how to smell expensive with designer fragrances from Michael Kors, Gucci, Prada, Juicy Couture, Burberry, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Issey Miyake.
Related Scentbird resources
To refine your luxury-style edit, find an expensive-smelling scent profile, gift a luxury scent experience, or browse our guide to the most popular perfumes.
