The High Cost of Coming Out

CONSIDER, FOR A MOMENT, THE virtues of a uniform. The black-on-black uniform of le monde de la mode. The all-Chanel/all-the-time uniform of the ladies who lunch. The white Gap tee-with-Levi’s-and-blazer uniform of the ladies who don’t.

The clothes-conscious take refuge in the uniform for one simple reason: It’s a the Feb. 8 presentation ball at the Meyerson (expected to raise $300,000, which benefits the community outreach and education programs of the DSO). For them, coming out is a seven-month process, For their parents, it’s a seven-month spending spree. Check(list), please:

$ “Donation” to the Dallas Symphony…$8,000

$ White organza off-the-shoulder Vera Wang ball gown with full skirt andbasque waistline…$3,500 to $4,500

$ Dry-cleaning for gown …from $175

$ Low-heeled satin pumps conducive to error-free bowing…$110

$ Wardrobe-two suits, f]J three cocktail dresses, pair of pants with silk blouse, four pairs of shoes-for teas, brunches, lunches…$2,500

$ Shampoo and chignon by y Garry Cox at the Salon at Stanley Korshak…$40

$ Makeup lesson and appli- cation by makeup artist Kim Rozell…$100

$ 11-by-14-inch color por trait by Gittings…$475

Total…from $14,900

(Note: Some items and services are optional; actual cost may vary.)