Welcome to The Brand It, Build It Podcast — a podcast created to help you build a better brand and business. I’m your host, Kelly Zugay — and today, I want to dive into a topic that may sound like a trend at first, but actually holds some really powerful branding lessons: quiet luxury.

Now, if you’ve been on Pinterest or TikTok in the last couple of years, you’ve probably heard the term “quiet luxury.” Think neutral tones, timeless silhouettes, and a polished, understated aesthetic. People like Sofia Richie and lifestyle brands like Jenni Kayne have built entire empires around this philosophy: selling a feeling of effortless elegance.

But what does this have to do with your brand?

Whether you’re a designer, a photographer, a coach, or a copywriter — the idea of quiet luxury isn’t just for fashion. It’s a branding principle that’s all about confidence, clarity, and consistency — and it can completely change how your business is perceived.

So today, let’s explore 3 ways “quiet luxury” can elevate your brand — and how to apply the principles of this growing aesthetic to your business, in a way that still feels true to you.

Quality Over Clutter

Quiet luxury brands never overdo it. They don’t fill a page with bold colors or a newsletter with five fonts. Everything is intentional — every element serves a purpose.

A 2023 McKinsey & Company report on consumer behavior found that 71% of consumers now say they prefer brands that feel “calm, focused, and uncluttered.” That means clarity and simplicity are being perceived as more trustworthy — even more valuable.

Action Step:
Take a quick inventory of your website, Instagram, or even your client experience. Are there areas where you’re adding “noise” out of fear your brand isn’t saying enough? Simplify. Let your message breathe.

Brand Consistency Builds Trust

One of the hallmarks of a quiet luxury brand is consistency. Whether it’s their logo, their packaging, their website, or their email signature — it all flows.

And consistency isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s actually a trust-builder. In fact, Lucidpress reports that consistent branding increases revenue by up to 23%.

Think about that. Something as simple as aligning your fonts, sticking to your brand voice, and repeating your brand promise across all platforms can help you stand out — even in a saturated market.

Action Step:
Audit your brand touchpoints. Do your Instagram graphics match your website? Is your tone the same in your emails as it is in your blog posts? Choose one area this week to bring back into alignment.

Let the Experience Speak for Itself

Quiet luxury is all about trust in the product. These brands don’t shout about how good they are — they show it through experience, through detail, through emotion.

And your brand can do the same. Your portfolio, your testimonials, your pricing guide, even your email welcome sequence — these are all places where you can create that elevated, luxurious experience without ever saying the word “luxury.”

Action Step:
Choose one piece of your client experience — maybe it’s the way you send your contract or how your pricing guide looks. Ask: How can I make this feel more elevated? Not louder, not flashier — just more refined and thoughtful.

Wrapping Up

Quiet luxury isn’t about being boring or beige — it’s about being intentional. It’s about showing up with confidence, knowing your value, and letting your brand communicate that through every detail.

So if you’ve ever wondered how to stand out without shouting… or how to feel more elevated without changing your entire business — this could be your sign to embrace less but better.

As always, thank you so much for listening to The Brand It, Build It Podcast. If today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you left a rating and review — or shared it with a friend who’s building something beautiful.

Brand It, Build It Podcast, Hosted by Kelly Zugay

Hosted by Kelly Zugay, co-founder of With Grace and Gold, The Brand It, Build It Podcast is the best small business marketing podcast for small business owners, creatives, and founders. Weekly, brief, actionable episodes will equip you to build a successful, sustainable small business. Since 2014, With Grace and Gold has provided award-winning custom brand and Showit web design and completely customizable Showit website templates for small businesses worldwide.