Most of us will need to make a “fashion 911” call sometime.

Joyce Corrigan, Bedford resident and author of the book, “Marie Claire Outfit 911,” believes that solutions to most of your dressing dilemmas can be found in her new style manual.

“I wanted to help people transform their look and stand out a little,” she said. “The point is to work with what you’ve got—whether you are at a wedding, in the boardroom, on a date, or on the red carpet—there are ways to tweak your look for the better.”

The writer, television commentator, former editor-at-large and current contributor to Marie Claire magazine is a veteran in the fashion journalism business. Following the success of her popular magazine articles, Corrigan was commissioned to create this photo-packed guide—one that she described as a “lifeline” for fashion emergencies.

She and the fashion experts who contribute to her book emphasize the importance of appropriate dress for every occasion.

“Tim Gunn said it best in the book,” Corrigan said. "He said that the clothes we wear send a clear message, and we're responsible for every nuance—and I agree—there are rules about what to wear and where, because other people who see what you're wearing will be affected in some way.”

The reader is taken through chapters that outline different fashion scenarios, and showcase fashion tips offered by style gurus like Vera Wang, Michael Kors, and Donna Karan as well as the magazine’s editors. The goal is to provide a step-by-step approach to building a wardrobe for every occasion, by investing in key pieces that make lasting sense.

As for her home of Bedford, the author said that the town's particular style is a clear reflection of its location.

“Bedford is an historical town chockablock with horse farms and it’s so close to Manhattan—it means you'll see a lot of sophisticated equestrian looks, luxury leather boots and impressive but practical jewelry. Blazers, Barbour jackets, jeans and rubber Hunter boots just make sense on dirt roads and soccer fields,” Corrigan said.

As communications coordinator of the Bedford Garden Club, a local institution that is 100 years old and still going strong, Corrigan said she is amazed by the work the club is doing to preserve the natural beauty of the area—like a project that will plant 2,020 trees by the year 2020. And according to Corrigan, garden club members have been ahead of the curve style-wise, wearing vivid, floral print dresses that designers like Prada and Givenchy are now embracing.

Some advice for pulling together some great looks for the coming season?

This local fashionista said that one of the must-have items is a great car coat. “Just below the knee—the Spring collections all showed them in eye-popping prints and mixed textures. They look great with everything from pleated skirts or sheath dresses if you need for work, or with jeans when you're out and about,” Corrigan said.

“Thank the fashion gods there is no shortage of excellent shops within 20 miles: Penny Pincher, The Westchester, Churchills of Mount Kisco and, of course, The Gap,” she added.