Explore Brighton with Dopamine Dresser & Slow Fashion Fan Izzy Manuel

In the UK, the start of the year can feel a little bleak. The Christmas buzz fades, and the weather stays stubbornly grey. January, though, is the perfect time for a colourful day trip to shake off the winter blues, and Brighton fits the bill perfectly!

Just over an hour from London by train, it’s no wonder Victorian physicians once prescribed seaside trips here. But like with all things winter in the UK, I’m definitely dressing for potential (probable?) rain with my trusty, 100% waterproof Bobbi Boots in Seafoam. 

Come with me as I introduce you to the very best Brighton has to offer, from independent traders, colourful buildings and the constant, ever-calming sound of the sea!

Stop 1: Ikigai

If you arrive by train, a four-minute walk will take you to Ikigai, a gorgeous Asian-inspired independent café serving great coffee, chiffon-style cakes, and Hong Kong pineapple buns (Bo Luo Bao 菠蘿包). They remind me so much of my grandma, as we used to buy them from local bakeries whenever I visited Hong Kong.  

Stop 2: Hit the Lanes!

From Ikigai, head into the North Laines, full of colourful streets and independents — perfect for a wander or a shop. Some of my favourites include:

• Snoopers Attic: A fun vintage emporium packed with books, antiques and clothing, perfect for a proper snoop.
• Good as Gold: Ideal for streetwear and curated Y2K pieces, plus great vintage coats and even matcha.
• The Last Bookshop: A book lover’s dream — every book is £5, including coffee table books.

Other lovely spots include Dharma Café, FIKA, The Book End, Dowse, Edition, Pussy Boutique, Soliflore Perfumery, and Bond Street Coffee.

Stop 3: Triple Point Coffee

After all that walking, refuel at Triple Point Coffee, tucked away in the Lanes. The coffee is excellent, they have vegan pastries, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the founder, Stuart, is a ray of sunshine!

Stop 4: Beachfront 

No trip to Brighton is complete without a stroll along the pebble beach and a visit to Brighton Pier. Even on a windy day, listening to the waves is incredibly calming. Dating back to 1899, the pier is the epitome of a British seaside town and is worth seeing even if arcades aren’t your thing.

While you’re there, pop into Rebound Store, one of my favourite consignment shops right on the beachfront. The curation is always spot on, and founder Siobhan is lovely — we chat all the time in DMs

Stop 5: Helm Gallery

Brighton is also full of art and culture. Helm Gallery in the North Laines is a brilliant spot for beautiful exhibitions and a bit of calm away from the crowds. It’s free, has a lovely little café, and turns into a cocktail bar in the evening — always a bonus!

My Top Brighton Style Tip Is...

Dressing for the British winter is all about layers and preparing yourself for a potential flurry of rain. I’ve gone for a full preloved outfit including a fun tartan wool blazer with a faux fur collar, a preloved pink smiley kilt, thermal tights and, of course, a pair of Merry People Bobbi Boots in Seafoam — perfect for the drizzly weather and a trip to the seaside.

Get to Know Your Guide:

Armed with a Master’s in Chemistry and a love for colourful, slow fashion, Izzy Manuel is a creative freelance Social Media Strategist and Content Creator. On her own social media, she doesn’t just create content; she’s built a vibrant community of like-minded people who care about planet-friendly style, conscious choices, and expressing themselves through colour. Her feed is a go-to for joyful outfit inspiration, honest conversations, and practical tips on embracing slow fashion in everyday life.

Dive into more of Izzy’s colourful and susty (aka sustainable) fashion recs on her Instagram: @izzy_manuel.