Step'n Out buys a single piece of each prom style it carries, then keeps a record of which dance every gown is headed to. The family-owned shop has sold bridal, tuxedo and prom on Grand Avenue since 1987.
We carry one of each style and track where each dress goes to prom!
The store says this in answer to the question of how many dresses of each style it carries.
Prom shopping needs no appointment. Prom dresses are walk-in only, while bridal runs on bookings. The store says it has more than 300 gowns in house and sizes from 4 to 30.
Prom labels and a discount rack
For prom, the store carries Clarisse, Portia and Scarlett, Ellie Wilde and Sherri Hill, one of every style, plus a Designer Discounts rack.
Layaway is offered on prom dresses. Half down holds the gown, and it has to be paid off before pickup.
The staff at Step'n Out focus on fit.
How the staff approach a prom gown (a guide)
First
Questions about frame, venue, comfort and budget, before anything comes off the rack
Then
Once a gown is chosen, the staff flag the changes that will matter
Last
Alterations go out to seamstresses Step'n Out has relied on for years
Veils, jewelry, hairpieces and shoes are sold in the shop.
The shop sums up its philosophy in one line: "Off-the-rack retail sells you a size. We help you find your shape."
The tux counter for prom dates
Menswear is the third leg of the business.
Menswear at Step'n Out
Tuxedo rental, special order or a suit to keep
In-house rental
The store says $100 to $130 for a complete outfit: coat, pants, shirt, black patent shoes, a half-back vest and a tie, plus studs and cufflinks
Jim's Formal Wear and Milroy's Tuxedos
Special orders at $175 to $250, the store says
Notice for prom
At least two weeks for a single rental; some same-day rentals are available
To own
Michael Kors, Ike Behar, Couture 1910 or MOD, with jackets starting around $170, the store says
The store describes the prom date look as color, pattern and a sharp fit that coordinates with a partner without matching so hard it looks like a uniform. Out-of-town groomsmen and dates can send in their measurements.
Billings Senior High School, Billings West High School, Skyview High School on the Heights and Lockwood High School east of the river all sit in or beside the city. Laurel High School and Huntley Project High School serve towns elsewhere in Yellowstone County, and Billings is the biggest shopping city in south-central Montana.
Something Blu and the Allure bridal lines
Something Blu is Step'n Out's own private label, stitched with a blue designer label. It hangs beside Allure Bridals, Allure Couture, Allure Modest, Essense of Australia, Wilderly Bride and Madison James, and the store says it has hundreds of wedding dresses in stock or available to order. Bridal appointments run 60 to 90 minutes, with consultants the store says know which silhouette suits which body. Step'n Out says it has been recognized by Rocky Mountain Bride Montana.
What Billings shoppers ask Step'n Out
How does Step'n Out keep classmates from matching?
It carries one of each style and tracks which prom every dress is going to, so two girls from the same school will not buy the same dress here.
How does prom layaway work at Step'n Out?
Put half down to hold the dress, then pay the balance in full before picking it up.
How early should a prom tux be reserved?
At least two weeks before the dance for a single rental. Some same-day rentals are available.