Why Canadians Need Large Wardrobes to Accommodate All Seasons

While Canada is known for its diverse weather (and is mistakenly known in some parts of the world as enduring extreme cold all months of the year), our relationship with Mother Nature is a little complicated. One afternoon it will be 20°C and that same evening, it could go down to below 0°C. Although sometimes these temperature changes are desirable (it’s officially December tomorrow and we’ve only had one or two light dustings of snow this season – WOOT!), these changes in weather patterns come with several challenges, one of them being the ever-evolving human wardrobe.

Weather in Ontario, Canada ranges from approximately -30°C and 30°C – that’s extreme, granted this does not happen overnight, but it definitely takes some adjusting. As a country ‘blessed’ with the four seasons (rainy, stupid hot, colourful, and the ice box), we do need to stock clothes for all seasons and knowing what to wear can be hard. In most cases, dressing in layers is a good start. I often envy places like Arizona, where there’s no snow and temperatures only fluctuate 20-30°C over the course of the year (according to Google anyways). It must be nice to only own 1 or 2 jackets instead of 6+ and not have to worry about shoveling heavy packing snow...

Summer/Fall closet (notice all the pretty colours)

Winter/Spring closet (and here, much less inspiring)

 With the cold weather approaching, I thought it time to swap out the summer attire for the comfy, warm stuff. I personally do a bi-annual change of my wardrobe, packing away most of my spaghetti straps, t-shirts, shorts, skirts and dresses to make closet space for the cardigans, hoodies, sweaters, full sleeve tops, track pants, fuzzy fleece sleepwear and thermal underwear (yes, I really do own a thermal top and bottoms, and I wear them too!). I also put away the light/rain jackets, outdoor moccasins and sandals and pull out the parka, boots, mittens and scarves. As most Canadians don’t own mansions, the lack of closet space is always an issue and it’s nearly impossible to have everything accessible throughout the year. Vacuum bags (similar to these) are a real space saver, and all those summer clothes fit nicely under the bed in the spare room. It doesn’t get much more functional than that.

Before (full of life/fluffiness)

After (air sucked out)

​Winter isn’t exactly my favourite season because of the cold temperatures, the shoveling and trudging through snow and ice, however, heated car seats, a cozy blanket and a book by a fireplace, the smell of freshly cut Christmas trees, and watching big fluffy flakes fall are definitely highlights.
 
What wardrobe modifications do you make where you live and why? How do you cope with changing weather at home? I would love to hear from you 😊