Sometimes it is just all about the dress. That was certainly the case for Chianti Jackson Harpool, 47, at the Associated Black Charities' annual gala. Her black and white gown was not only a perfect fit for the evening's color theme, but a perfect fit on her.

But this wasn't the outfit the West Baltimore stay-at-home mom originally had in mind. Things changed when she showed a friend the black dress she planned to wear.

“She was just not having it. She said, ‘Oh, that's just not going to work,'?” Harpool said.

Her friend then insisted Harpool step out of her frock — and her comfort zone — by borrowing the black and white Marco Bologna gown. It was quite the departure from her usual simple, classic style, which she admits plays it safe.

“There's nothing like a timeless piece. If I bought it 20 years ago and it was made well and it still looks good ... then I can keep it going,” Harpool said.

“I feel like a million dollars. I would never have done this, and I'm glad she thought I needed to,” she said.

HER USUAL STYLE: “Classic. Blue jeans, T-shirt, great leather belt, boots. With a blazer. That's me.”

HER ENSEMBLE: Marco Bologna gown with black on white polka-dot bodice, white on black polka-dot empire waist, and a black skirt featuring a black and white striped center panel and side slits that she borrowed from a friend. Silver ring from Everyone's Place African Cultural Center. Black snakeskin clutch that was a hand-me-down from her mom.

IT'S NOT FASHION SHE CHECKS OUT ON THE INTERNET, BUT…: “Cars. All kinds of cars. New cars, classic cars, sports cars, street cars, hot rods. Nascar. ... I love machines.”