How To Elevate Your Look With Style Expert Susie Wall & Oakridge Park

A recent fashion workshop presented by Oakridge Park in partnership with style expert Susie Wall stemmed from the palpable buzz driven from the latest brand announcements coming to the retail centre, which next year, will be welcoming some of the world’s most admired brands: Maison Margiela, Miu Miu, Christian Louboutin, Alexander Wang, Bvlgari, Chaumet, Jacob & Company and more. The retail experience offered at Oakridge Park will be rich and immersive going beyond traditional expectations. The workshop offered guests a premium fashion experience to help enhance their style and ignite a newfound passion for self-expression through fashion. Susie was on hand to help guests navigate complementary hues, flattering silhouettes and chic ensembles that accentuate their personal style. We chatted with her to learn more. —Noa Nichol

Susie, what inspired you to create this exclusive workshop at Oakridge Park, and how do you hope it will transform the way attendees approach their personal style?

This workshop is really a live response to those universal personal styling questions I get asked so often, not just by clients but also by our viewers on The Morning Show. How do I create a capsule collection? How do I properly dress for my body type? How can I take my look to the next level? I think a lot of people, especially after a deep dark winter, settle into dresscodes and habits that feel safe and sometimes a bit lacklustre. We want to inspire you to give yourself a jump start! Everyone has the ability to self-style, and everyone deserves to look and feel amazing. It’s pretty remarkable that a little extra effort around your wardrobe can have a huge impact on your entire day.

In your experience, how do you balance current fashion trends with timeless pieces when advising clients on their personal style?

It’s a continual balancing act, even for me. In my experience for most people there’s a place for both, but foundational pieces function as the pillars of our wardrobes. Before you indulge in the frosting, you need to build and bake a sensational cake.

Can you share some insights on how you choose materials and colors that best complement an individual’s look?

Especially here in Vancouver, I encourage people not to ‘store’ their off-season wardrobes. Some of the coolest looks come from deliberately cross-pollinating seasons and textures, whether it’s a gorgeous nubbly cardigan draped over a sundress on a summer evening, or a sleeveless chemise tucked into a pair of high-waisted wool trousers in late fall.

Personal style can be very subjective. How do you tailor your advice to meet the unique needs and preferences of each attendee at the workshop?

We start with a broad analysis and then drill down to specifics. I love an interactive crowd, so I’ll be taking lots of audience questions. And the through-line for true personal style, for me, has always been about authenticity. Whether you’re snipping herbs in the garden for a beautiful summer salad or packing for a quick getaway to Whistler –following your authentic intuition around who you are and how you want to present yourself to the people in your world are your guiding principles … not trends, not celebrities, and definitely not a mannequin.

What practical tips or key takeaways do you hope participants will possess after attending your workshop? How can they implement these lessons in their everyday fashion choices?

Well beyond to give yourself more credit for being awesome every day? Purchase and edit your clothing for your real life, not a make-believe life. Ask yourself, ‘What kind of summer have I planned?’, ‘Do I have a lot of social events coming up?’, ‘Does this piece really add value to my look?’ I also remind people that infusing beautiful vintage pieces into their vibe, much like a killer antique does for your home – will separate you from the herd. Don’t forget, with a few fresh tweaks, upping your wardrobe game can literally make you feel brand new. Look at it as the beginning of a fresh start – and it’s never too late to have one of those.