AS MAY becomes June and the end of the academic year approaches, I imagine there is one thing on the minds of the nation’s school leavers.

Grades? Maybe, but they are not the most pressing issue.

Female brains at least are firmly preoccupied with stretch limousines, corsages and reams of taffeta, tulle and organza.

That’s right people — it’s prom season.

Each year as the teenage rite of passage draws ever closer, a proliferation of party dresses can be seen flooding High Streets and occasion outfitters alike.

Likewise, each year, po-faced adolescents glower at each other in hotels and function rooms upon the realisation the ultimate fashion sin has been committed — there is someone else wearing their dress!

But help is at hand — by choosing an independent (and purse-friendly) retailer loved by celebrities you can avoid this faux-pas, as well as sidestepping the strapless and full-skirted or floor-length, meringue-style dresses which seem to make up most stores’ prom dress offerings.

Virgos Lounge’s stunning floor-length gown, (pictured) featuring a level of jewel-encrustedness even the flashiest magpie would be proud of, is a jaw-dropping £55.

Cut beautifully with a deep V-back and in a bold scarlet hue, this is a frock even the most retiring wallflower cannot fail to be noticed in.

Cinderella — not only will you go to the ball, but there won’t be no other girl wearing your dress, y’hear?