India, Jan. 27 -- After living in Wisconsin for four years-where winter temperatures regularly dip below zero-I learned the hard way that dressing properly for negative-degree weather is not something you can wing. I've always loved fashion, and when I first moved there, I cared more about how my outfits looked than how warm they kept me. I soon realized that looking cute wouldn't matter much if I couldn't feel my face the second I stepped outside. Over time, though, I figured out an outfit formula that worked for me: the right scarf, fleece-lined leggings, and a truly reliable puffer jacket can handle brutal temperatures while still upgrading a look.

I don't live there anymore, but my sister does-and when wind chills dipped as low as 42...