If the mere mention of 'prom dresses' conjures up images of US coming-of-age movies and black-and-white footage of London debutantes, you may shudder at the prospect of wearing one yourself. But these cute dresses have staged a triumphant comeback on the high street this season - and rather than being OTT or for teens only, the new crop of frocks suit just about anyone on pretty much any occasion.

How so? Well, it's all about how you wear them, rather than where you wear them. Add a jacket or pashmina and heels for a wedding or party; pair with a cardigan and flatties for the office or an afternoon in the park. Don't overdo it on accessories, though: a plain but pretty necklace is a necessity, but anything else will detract from the dress itself.

For classics with a modern twist, try Oasis: their curved satin-trim prom dress in black is very Audrey Hepburn (£90, www.oasis-stores.com). We also love Warehouse's black and white polka dot prom dress (£70, www.warehouse.co.uk) and pretty painted rose print prom frock (£70), a great way to wear spring's big floral trend.

If you want to make an impact in fun, brightly coloured prints, however, take a look at the gorgeous collection of prom frocks by Eucalyptus (£60; www.eucalyptusclothing.co.uk). Patterns include ruby-red roses, polka dots, multicoloured blooms and ethnic designs - all set off beautifully with a huge ribbon belt. These may not be the kind of frocks you'd wear to pop to the shops on a Saturday afternoon - but they're perfect for formal occasions and spring/summer parties.

Finally, for a more cutting-edge take on the vintage prom dress - with a slightly heftier price tag - take a look at Suzannah's stunning Aloof Dancer dress (£350, www.suzannah.com). Wear it with opaque tights for evenings out - and prepare to turn heads wherever you go!