Onyx + Ivory, as the shop writes its own name, works out of a storefront on Sims Street in downtown Dickinson and covers both sides of a prom date: gowns for one, a tux or suit for the other. Owner Shannon Halvorson also runs a second Onyx + Ivory store on Main Street in Miles City, Montana, but the Dickinson shop is the one that serves southwest North Dakota. Its prom page puts the main advice up front.
Women's Prom Dress Appointments are 1 hour long during store hours & highly recommended to ensure we have a room available for you!
A booked prom appointment costs $25 and allows up to three guests. Shoppers can reserve online, stop in, or phone the store to set one up.
Gowns, tuxes and the fit
The Dickinson prom racks feature Jessica Angel, Clarisse, House of Wu's Tiffany Designs, Stella Couture and Sydney's Closet. The shop's homecoming, cocktail and formal dresses sit in a separate special-occasion area, which helps for a winter formal or a fall dance. Women's formal heels come in five styles, along with undergarments and accessories, so most of the outfit can be settled at the same counter.
The menswear side runs through Jim's Formal Wear. Dates can use its Build A Tux tool to design a rental. Walk-ins are accepted, though the store warns there may be a wait.
Menswear at Onyx + Ivory
Jim's Formal Wear rentals and suits to buy
Measuring
A 30-minute appointment once the rental is designed
Rental orders
About four weeks' notice recommended
Last minute
Possible up to a week before the event, with a rush fee
Suits bought here
Hemmed and tailored as part of the purchase
Extras
Dress shirts, ties, Mission belts and rental or purchase dress shoes
An in-house seamstress handles dress alterations at the Sims Street shop, and the store recommends coming in six weeks before the event so the fitting is accurate and on time. Gowns bought at Onyx + Ivory get priority on the alterations schedule, while dresses from elsewhere are taken as time allows. Dress alterations are billed hourly and paid at pickup, and a steam and press service is available for $45 per dress or suit set, more for ball gowns with five or more layers.
Prom shoppers come from Dickinson High School and Trinity High School in town and from the smaller schools around Stark County, such as Belfield, South Heart and Richardton-Taylor. Bridal gowns, mothers' dresses and flower girl dresses are also part of the business, so the prom appointment is the surest way to get a room, and every sale at the shop is final.
Shopping Onyx & Ivory in Dickinson
Does the Dickinson store carry Alyce Paris?
The prom page lists Alyce Paris for the Miles City store. In Dickinson, the prom labels are Jessica Angel, Clarisse, Tiffany Designs, Stella Couture and Sydney's Closet.
Can Onyx & Ivory alter a prom dress I bought somewhere else?
Yes, when the seamstress has room in her schedule. Gowns bought in the store come first, and the hourly alteration charge is paid when you pick the dress up.