JANUARY is often considered the ideal time for a much-needed wardrobe clearout, as we seek to refresh and reorganise our clothes. 

With the month widely regarded as the most dreary of the year, some turn to the concept of dopamine dressing, using bright, bold, mood-boosting outfits to help combat the January blues and inject some much-needed joy into our lives.

If you’re tired of wearing the same clothes day in and day out, it might be time to inject some brighter colours into your everyday wardrobe and rediscover the joy of dressing!

If you want to dip your toe in first, then adding a bright accessory is a great way to inject some colour without fully committing.

Or, if you’re like Abby, our Deputy Fashion Editor, and already embrace some colours, why not go for a head-to-toe look?

Need a little inspo? Our Fabulous fashion team have pieced together their dopamine-boosting outfits to bring a touch of joy to the first month of the year.

Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor

zara.com, albaray.co.uk, mango.com, riverisland.com, primark.com

Clemmie’s dopamine outfit[/caption]

• Sweatshirt, £69, Albaray – BUY NOW
• Jacket, £79.99, Zara – BUY NOW
• Jeans, £45, River Island – BUY NOW
• Bag, £149, Mango – BUY NOW
• Trainers, £14, Primark – BROWSE HERE

I wouldn’t say I wear bright shades often, but I’m trying to embrace the trend more as dopamine dressing is proven to work. 

I love red accessories and fell in love with this jumper from Albaray when I saw it – so fingers crossed each time I put it on, it has the same effect. 

I’m also loving these butter-yellow barrel jeans from River Island, as the colour is muted and on-trend. 

I know it’s not the boldest colour in the world, but pairing with tones of brown brings the look together and creates a polished outfit.

Plus, the trainers add pattern and a nod to the animal-print trend.

Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor

MANGO.COM, COS.COM, NEXT.CO.UK, SCHUH.CO.UK, UNIQLO.COM

Abby’s dopamine outfit[/caption]

• T-shirt, £35, COS – BUY NOW
• Jacket, £119.99, Mango – BUY NOW
• Trousers, £25, Next – BUY NOW
• Bag, £19.90, Uniqlo – BUY NOW
• Trainers, £150, Alohas at Schuh – BUY NOW

I love colour – open my wardrobe and a rainbow practically falls out!

But I do like to team my more colourful pieces with neutrals to give me some balance, which is exactly what I’ve done here. 

I’m a sucker for pink and green together, so this pink T-shirt from COS goes so well with these gingham trousers from Next.

And while it is giving spring vibes, I’ve added a cream puffer over the top to make it weather-appropriate for this time of year. 

I’m obsessed with colourful trainers and the colourway on these Alohas trainers is right up my street.

Finishing off with my trusty Uniqlo bag, this is the perfect relaxed, comfy outfit that makes me smile every time I wear it.

Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director

HM.COM, STORIES.COM, COS.COM, WHISTLES.COM, MANGO.COM

Tracey’s dopamine outfit[/caption]

• Coat, £54.99, H&M – BUY NOW
• Shirt, £75, COS – BUY NOW
• Jumper, £57, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
• Jeans, £95, Whistles – BUY NOW
• Bag, £97, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
• Shoes, £32.99 (were £59.99), Mango – BUY NOW

Dressing to make yourself feel happy is a no-brainer for me.

The minute I let my hair go grey, I ditched my ‘head-to-toe black’ Fashion Director wardrobe in favour of light, bright hues.

My wardrobe is now infused with pops of glorious colour, the exact opposite of the ‘basic beige’ fashion trend that dominates the high street in January when everyone plays safe.

Butter cream yellows, powder-pink pastels and creamy whites all lift me up during this dreary month.

I still need to be cosy because, let’s face it, it’s freezing outside, and I love adding layers and textures to a look to add interest.

This outfit makes me smile – job done! 

Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant

MANGO.COM, STORIES.COM, ZARA.COM, MARKSANDSPENCER.COM, HM.COM

Emily’s dopamine outfit[/caption]

• Jeans, £27.99, Zara – BUY NOW
• Shirt, £25.99, Mango – BUY NOW
• Jumper, £47, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
• Bag, £155, & Other Stories – BUY NOW
• Glasses, £12.99, H&M – BUY NOW
• Shoes, £39.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW

Since joining the Fashion team, I’ve noticeably increased the amount of colour in my wardrobe.

I used to stick to neutrals, but I’ve happily ventured into other palettes and I must admit, I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

That said, I still lean towards pieces that can be easily paired with what I already own.

Abby has inspired me with this one – her blue jumper always draws so many compliments at work, and it’s encouraged me to try something similar.

I can’t say I’ve ventured into red footwear before, but this pair of Mary Janes immediately caught my eye – the studded detailing gives off serious Khaite vibes, but without the hefty price tag.

I’ve completed the look with a cow-print bag to introduce a playful pattern, a pair of blue-light glasses that make a fantastic alternative to the Miu Miu ones trending on social media, and a reliable pair of Zara jeans.

A STUNNING Ford Capri that’s so rare only 14 of its kind exist in the world is up for sale for a five-figure sum.

The iconic motor, which is a much-loved classic and considered highly collectible, has recently surfaced on Facebook Marketplace.

Facebook

An incredibly rare Ford Capri is up for sale via Facebook Marketplace[/caption]

Facebook

The stunning fast Ford features a small 1.3-litre engine[/caption]

Facebook

It has been fully restored and looks showroom fresh, despite its age[/caption]

The listing, which indicates the car is located in Arundel, Littlehampton, claims the renowned Ford has undergone an extensive restoration.

In fact, the sellers assert it is “highly doubtful” that any other Capri could match its high standard.

It also states that the 1969 motor, which is listed for sale at £42,000, cost approximately £60,000 in total to restore, with the car now looking better than new.

Tweaks to the car’s appearance include new panels, floors, arches, seams, and much more.

Not only does it look showroom fresh, but it’s hardly been used on the roads with only 2,100 miles on the clock.

A quick search does back up suggestions that this specific model is extremely rare; the 1969 Capri 1300 L, which was the smallest engine size on offer at the time, also comes with a long hood to hide the look of the small engine.

It also features other extras, such as its revised wheel trims and body side moldings.

The listing adds that the Ford does come with extensive paperwork, including the history of the particular car and the history of its restoration.

Due to its rarity, the Capri’s seller is requesting viewings by appointment only.

The Capri, first released in 1969, was Europe’s answer to the Ford Mustang and was built on the Cortina’s underpinnings.

Initially codenamed ‘Colt’, its stylish design and reasonable price point led to nearly 1.9 million sales over three generations of car, before production ended in 1986.

Today, they’re something of a rarity, seldom seen on UK roads 

Last year, we spoke to long-time Capri fan Stuart Turp, who’s owned 12 in his lifetime and was showcasing his current example amidst a sea of some 3,000 classic cars at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Stuart’s Capri was one of just 20 cars that were finalists for the 2024 Pride of Ownership award, which celebrates enthusiasts with the best stories relating to their rare, unusual and cherished vehicles.

“Cut me in half, I’m Ford,” Stuart said.

“I’m Ford all over. I like Ford. I’ve always liked Capri. I’ve always loved them.”

We also asked him what he thought about the recently revived Capri model that Ford unveiled last year – bringing the famous nameplate back after some 38 years.

This new Capri, a large, electric SUV, greatly contrasts the cool-looking sports car that’s a cult favourite among petrolheads.

“The only thing it resembles of a Capri is the steering wheel and the curved back around the passenger windows, that’s it,” he said.

“If they gave me one to drive, I wouldn’t drive one. I wouldn’t have one. No.”

PRINCESS Diana’s glamorous lookalike nieces have turned heads posing for their first cover shoot as a dazzling trio.

Aristocratic sisters Lady Kitty, Lady Amelia, and Lady Eliza looked sensational, posing in Balenciaga and dripping in diamonds from Bvlgari in the new pictures.

Luc Braquet

Spencer sisters Lady Kitty, Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia have made their front cover debut for the March issue of Tatler[/caption]

Luc Braquet

Princess Diana’s beautiful genes clearly run in the family, with all three sisters signed to Storm Model Management[/caption]

Another striking image shows identical twins Lady Amelia, and Lady Eliza, both 32, in black off-the-shoulder dresses looking remarkably similar to Princess Diana’s iconic ‘revenge’ dress.

In a spread for Tatler’s March 2025 issue, the blonde beauties opened up about continuing Princess Diana’s legacy, including working alongside Prince William with homeless charity Centrepoint.

Lady Kitty, who is an ambassador for the charity alongside its patron, Prince William, praised the charity’s visibility in part to her late aunt.

The 34-year-old said: “I think she put the name out there. Centrepoint has been a cherished charity that my family and I have supported for many years. 

“I’m extremely proud of my cousin Prince William for all he does and continues to do to support Centrepoint and the vital work they provide to homeless young people.”

During the rare interview, the sisters – who are all signed onto Storm Model Management and are mostly based in London – opened up about motherhood and mental health.

Lady Eliza has a long-term partner, entrepreneur Channing Millerd, but candidly opened up about having therapy for nearly two decades after her teenage boyfriend Chris Elliott died in a car crash.

She shared: “I’ve seen a therapist for the last 17 years. I think everyone should have someone to speak to that’s outside of their inner circle. It’s a privilege to be able to have someone to help you and support you and guide you.”

Her other sisters are both married, with eldest sister Lady Kitty being married to fashion tycoon Michael Lewis, who’s 32 years her senior and worth an estimated £80million.

Her 2021 Italian three-day wedding was attended by the likes of Pixie Lott, and saw Kitty wear five breathtaking Dolce & Gabbana gowns.

Meanwhile, former wedding planner Lady Amelia married personal trainer Greg Mallett in South Africa in 2023.

And there could be wedding bells on the horizon.

Eliza has been with Channing for nine years and said another wedding “is definitely on the cards.”

While their social media pages are awash with posed photoshoots and luxury travel destinations, Earl Charles Spencer’s daughters opened up about “crazy nights out.”

Luc Braquet

Lady Kitty, right, 34, is the eldest of the three, with younger twin sisters Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia being 32[/caption]

Getty - Contributor

Princess Diana’s ‘revenge dress’ is one of her most iconic outfits[/caption]

Splash

The sisters were just five when Diana tragically died[/caption]

As part of Tatler’s game of ‘Sibling Goals’, they were asked: “Who is the craziest on a night out?”

After thinking about it for a few seconds, they declared Eliza should take the crown.

Marleybone-based Lady Kitty, is mum to daughter Athena, two, joked: “It’s definitely not me.”

I’ve seen a therapist for the last 17 years. I think everyone should have someone to speak to that’s outside of their inner circle. It’s a privilege to be able to have someone to help you and support you and guide you

Lady Eliza

Amelia pointed out: “Well Eliza voted for herself, why?” to which Eliza replied: “I think we’ll leave it there guys.”

The three sisters are daughters of the former British model, Victoria Aitken, and nobleman, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and younger brother of Princess Diana.

They spent most of her childhood in South Africa as part of her father’s bid to keep her out of the spotlight following the death of her aunt in 1997.

Getty

The glamorous sisters support numerous philanthropic ventures[/caption]

Rex

The three sisters are daughters of the former British model, Victoria Aitken, and nobleman, Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother[/caption]

Getty - Contributor

Earl Spencer first wed Victoria in 1989 but the marriage was over in 1997 after four children – Kitty, Eliza, Amelia and Louis.[/caption]

However, their ancestral home is the sprawling 13,000-acre Althorp estate in Northamptonshire where Princess Diana is buried.

Kitty first hit the headlines in 2016 when confessed she admires the homeless because they have a focus to their lives that she lacks.

Despite being part of the Spencer dynasty, worth £100million, the glamorous socialite says she struggles with having no purpose in life.

I’m extremely proud of my cousin Prince William for all he does and continues to do to support Centrepoint

Lady Kitty

She told The Times: “The young people that have come out of Centrepoint are so focused on one thing.

“They know exactly what they want to do and what their talents are. So for that, I envy them.

“I do battle with what it is that I really want to set my mind to.”

Kitty later stunned onlookers at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Royal Wedding in 2018 with comparisons to Princess Diana.

Not known, clear with picture desk

Although the girls mainly grew up in South Africa, their ancestral home is the sprawling 13,000-acre Althorp estate in Northamptonshire[/caption]

Princes Harry and William have remained close to their mum’s family and were keen for them to be part of their big days.

The model has previously spoken about her relationship with her late aunt, who passed away when Kitty was six years old.

In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2016, she said: ‘I was so young [when Diana was alive]. 

“There are only a few memories, but special memories and happy memories, and I’m so lucky to have those.”

In 2014, Lady Kitty addressed fans and media drawing comparisons between her and her late aunty. 

Getty

Lady Eliza, brother Louis, Viscount Althor, mum Victoria, and Lady Kitty at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding in 2018[/caption]

Getty

Identical twins Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza at a Miss Dior launch event[/caption]

She said: “I suppose people will always try to make comparisons.

“But, gosh, if you think that, then I am really happy.”

Lady Kitty landed her first modelling gig at just one-year-old when she appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar UK alongside her mum.

Like mother, like daughter, she pursued modelling and kicked her career off by signing with Storm Model Management in 2015. 

She later made her runway debut in 2017 with Dolce & Gabbana, and later became a global ambassador for the Italian fashion house in 2021.

A POPULAR free streaming app used by Fire Stick owners and beyond is undergoing a massive overhaul.

The platform announced the revamp last year and it’s now starting to appear on screens across the globe.

Plex

Plex app has a whole new design coming[/caption]

Plex

Seamless look will make it easier to find favourite titles[/caption]

Plex has more than 600 channels available in various countries to watch for nothing.

It’s home to a range of streamed channels ranging from real crime and comedy, to sport and cartoons for the kids.

In the UK, you can watch classic episodes of favourites including Pointless, Baywatch, Bridezillas and Mr Bean.

In the US, there are channels from the CW and AMC, as well as The Walking Dead, Nip Tuck and Weeds to name a few.

Plex revealed in November that it had undergone a massive project to “rewrite our apps from the ground up” over the last two years.

This includes “one seamless interface” to make it easier to find favourite shows and movies.

A new look mobile app was launched first.

And now the platform’s big refresh is coming to TV devices.

It will start with Apple TV.

“We’re thrilled to expand the preview of our newly reimagined Plex experience to include testing on Apple TV, with more platforms coming soon,” the firm said.

“Please keep in mind this is nowhere close to perfect, but we want to get feedback from the community as early as we can. The app will get better over time!”

Streaming bills rise

A growing number of TV fans are turning to free legal streaming alternatives in face of bill hikes.

Netflix is the most recent streamer to increase prices, starting with the US, Canada, Portugal, and Argentina.

US users will have to pay an extra $1 (80p) a month for the ad-based subscription, $2.50 (£2.02) more for standard and $2 (£1.62) more for premium.

Although no price increases have been announced for the UK, an expert warned The Sun that it’s inevitable other countries will follow.

A MAJOR retailer with 1,100 branches to shut another shop as 18 stores are set to close for good.

WH Smith has confirmed yet another closure after revealing 17 stores would shut for good in the coming months.

PA

WH Smith is closing down one of its branches in Woolwich town centre[/caption]

Its branch on Powis Street in Woolwich is now the latest to be marked for closure, with the store shutting up shop for good in April

The stationery and sweet shop has been on the south-east London high street for almost two decades, first opening in 2008.

Customers have branded the closure a “shame”, with many saying there would be “no shops left” in the area.

One disgruntled customer said: “Another nail in the coffin, as if there was anything left anyway; it’s been a ghost town for years.”

“Yet another decent shop closes in Woolwich,” said another.

A spokesperson for the branch told The Sun it was “disappointed” to be losing its presence in the area.

They said: “It is no longer sustainable to continue to trade from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store as a result of the forthcoming lease expiry.”

A Post Office branch located within the branch could also face closure.

A vacancy has been advertised on the runapostoffice.co.uk website in an effort to save the branch.

As for WH Smith, it already has plans to close another branch in Bournemouth in the New Year.

It said that it would be closing its Winton branch in Bournemouth, Dorset on February 15.

It comes after the retailer, whose stores are a regular fixture in airports around the world, closed its Boscombe branch in the same town in June.

WHSmith has also closed down several stores outside Bournemouth this year, including in Bolton, Lancashire.

WHSmith is focusing on the travel side of its business where sales are growing.

In an update this year to investors, the retailer said it’s on track to open 15 stores this year, with a further 15 to follow “each year over the medium term”.

The retailer said it would be moving away from its high-street stores and has no plans to open any more.

Now a total of 18 sites have been confirmed for closure this year, following a number of closures last year.

Here is the full list of WHSmith closures taking place in 2025 so far:

• Bournemouth Old Christchurch Road, Dorset – January 18
• Luton, Bedfordshire – January 18
• March, Cambridgeshire – January 25
• Basingstoke, Hampshire – February 1
• Newtown, Powys – February 15
• Winton branch in Bournemouth, Dorset – February 15
• Rhyl, Denbighshire – February 15
• Bolton, Greater Manchester – February
• Accrington, Lancashire – March 15
• Halstead, Essex – April
• Halesowen, West Midlands – April
• Diss, Norfolk – April
• Newport, Wales – April
• Haverhill, Suffolk – April 26
• Woolwich – April
• Stockton, County Durham – May
• Oldham, Greater Manchester – May
• Orpington, Greater London – no date given yet

TROUBLE ON THE HIGH STREET

Just this month, bosses at a number of prominent retailers have revealed plans to cut stores from their estates.

Garden centre giant Dobbies closed 12 of its stores before Christmas to help shore up extra costs following a restructuring plan.

Meanwhile, Homebase has confirmed that six of its sites will close before the end of the year.

These include sites in Sutton Coldfield, Bromsgrove, Cromer, Fareham, Newark and Rugby.

Three more Homebase sites in Derry, Inverurie, and Omagh are also set to close in the coming months, along with a branch in Glenrothes near Fife.

The garden and homeware retailer crashed into administration last month, but around 70 stores were rescued by CDS Superstores, the owner of The Range and Wilko.

At the time it entered administration, Homebase operated 141 stores.

The head of Germany's opposition wants a departure from the Schengen principle of free movement after a failed asylum seeker allegedly killed two people.

The Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line now has distinctive European flavour, but its mild-hybrid engine doesn't make it feel warm-hatch fast.

Taiwanese authorities have asked the public to help identify iguana nests and are recommending fishing spears as the most humane means of killing the animals.

American Madison Keys will take on top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final after outlasting world No.2 Iga Swiatek.

American Madison Keys will take on top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final after outlasting world No.2 Iga Swiatek.