# Branding Subtlety Catering to female buyers, brands utilize soft colors to exhibit elegance. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 9, 2014, updated Apr 8, 2014 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/branding-subtlety ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Branding Subtlety trend? **Branding Subtlety:** With brash aesthetics often illustrating very rough and masculine imagery, retailers are turning to soft and subtle design aspects to cater products to female buyers who seek more exquisitely understated visuals. Utilizing a more low-key approach, brands are employing soothing color palettes and pastel tones that women often associate with sophistication and elegance, combining the use of delicate aesthetics with the need for more instinctively relatable marketing techniques. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 30, 2014 to May 30, 2015 - Published: Mar 9, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Branding Subtlety trend ### Soft Color Palettes for Feminine Products Retailers are moving towards more low-key marketing techniques using soothing color palettes that women associate with sophistication and elegance, creating opportunities for more delicate and relatable branding for feminine products. ### Minimalist and Subtle Branding Strategies Brands are using subtle and minimalist branding strategies to cater to a wide range of consumers, creating opportunities for more modern and classy branding for various products. ### Dipped and Juxtaposed Aesthetics Brands are using the contrast between pastel colors and fresh whitewashing to establish a minimalist aesthetic for their products, creating opportunities for unique and modern designs for various packaging looks. ## What the Branding Subtlety trend means for industry ### For Beauty and Skincare Products The use of soft palettes, minimalist branding, and unique packaging designs for feminine products creates disruptive innovation opportunities for beauty and skincare brands to cater to modern and stylish consumers. ### For Fashion and Apparel Brands The use of minimalistic and subtle branding strategies creates a modern and classy aesthetic for fashion and apparel brands, attracting a wide range of consumers and creating disruptive innovation opportunities for the industry. ### For Consumer Packaged Goods The use of contrasting colors and modern designs for packaging creates disruptive innovation opportunities for consumer packaged goods, helping brands stand out on shelves and attract younger millennial and Generation Z consumers. ## Trend signals for Branding Subtlety Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 57%, activity 53%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 57% - Activity: 53% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Branding Subtlety trend 4 featured examples from Jan 30, 2014 to May 30, 2015. - [Monochrome Cubic Fashion Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fashion-branding): Alli Marie's New Identity is Subtle, Chic and a Litte Retro (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion brands can explore monochrome design, minimalist packaging, and retro-inspired branding to differentiate themselves in the industry and attract a wider audience. - [Pastel-Infused Boutique Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boutique-branding): The Delicate Branding Used for Novelty is Both Soft and Eclectic (Category: Marketing) Implication: Novelty's unique, boutique branding opportunities can appeal to fashionable consumers and inspire brands to experiment with branding creativity. - [Beauty Blogger Concoctions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glossier): Former Vogue Assistant Introduces Glossier Skin Care Line for Her Blog (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Glossier's skincare line presents growth opportunities for the beauty and skincare industry as consumers embrace a more minimalist and natural approach to their beauty routine. - [Dipped Pastel Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sop): The Pretty Branding Scheme for SOP Accents Bottles with White Tops (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for packaging companies to experiment with dipped pastel packaging, creating visually appealing and consistent product lines. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)