Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana is one of the brand’s most recognisable women’s launches, a sunny white-floral fragrance in a ribbed, feminine bottle that has become a common gift for birthdays and Christmas. It is easy to like: bright, sweet and lightly creamy, with the sort of white-flower profile that reads as optimistic. A designer bottle in the UK still costs a good deal, though, and it is a style many people prefer to try in a smaller, cheaper size first.
We stock two officially matched alternatives, Yodeyma Nº39 and Verset Lia, both listed against Dolce in our Yodeyma dupe list and Verset dupe list.
The White Floral Formula
White-floral fragrances are built on blossoms with a naturally creamy, slightly heady scent: jasmine, magnolia, orange blossom and similar flowers. Perfumers typically lift them with a citrus top so they do not become cloying, and then ground them with a soft woody or musky base. Done well, the result is feminine and polished rather than sugary, and it works from the office through to an evening out.
Yodeyma Nº39: Citrus Lift and a Mimosa Base
Nº39 follows that formula closely. The top is a trio of bergamot, tangerine and orange, the heart brings together Arabian jasmine, magnolia and orange blossom, and the base is mimosa, amyris and cedar wood. The mimosa gives the drydown a powdery, almost buttery softness, while the cedar and amyris stop it feeling flat or sweet. Yodeyma describe it as suited to elegant, sophisticated wearers, and the note list supports that.
One thing worth knowing is that Nº39 is currently listed as a 50ml Eau de Parfum at £14.39, rather than in the full 15ml/50ml/100ml range, so it is a mid-sized buy rather than a pocket sample.
Verset Lia: The Entry-Level Option
Verset Lia is described by Verset as its Eau de Parfum alternative to Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana. We do not publish a full note breakdown for it, so we would rather not overstate how closely it follows the original. What we can say is that it is available in all three sizes: £6.99 for 15ml, £14.99 for 50ml and £25.50 for 100ml. That makes the 15ml the cheapest way to find out whether you like this kind of fragrance.
Which One to Pick
If you want a clearly documented note structure, go for Nº39. If you want the lowest price of entry or a choice of sizes, choose Lia. For gifting, the 50ml of either is a sensible size: it looks substantial enough for a present and costs £14.39 to £14.99.
If you enjoy this kind of bright feminine floral, you may also like our guides to Dior J’adore alternatives and Lancôme La Vie Est Belle alternatives. For a gift idea round-up, see our Christmas perfume gift ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Verset Lia the same as Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana?
No. It is an independent Eau de Parfum that Verset positions as an alternative to Dolce. It is not made by or affiliated with Dolce & Gabbana.
Does Yodeyma Nº39 come in a 15ml size?
At the moment it is listed in a single 50ml size at £14.39.
Are these good as gifts?
Yes. Soft white florals are a safe choice for gifting, and the 50ml sizes look and feel like a proper present at a modest price.
