The so-called "walk of shame" is one of the many pitfalls of the Christmas season - along with one too many mince pies, soggy brussel sprouts and yet another round of charades...

Now department store Harvey Nichols has featured the infamous early-hours ramble in its new Christmas campaign.

Under the title, "A Harvey Nichols Christmas 2011 - Ever faced the Walk of Shame?" the tongue-in-cheek YouTube video features several women shambling their way home after a long night out, with hair askew and make-up half gone.

It then shows an impeccably dressed woman sashaying along, wearing a Roland Mouret dress and shoes by Charlotte Olympia, with the tagline, "avoid the walk of shame this Christmas."

Julia Bowe, Group Marketing Director at Harvey Nichols, said, "A fabulous dress teamed with a great pair of shoes will atone for a multitude of sins in our eyes; nobody will be looking at your morning after make-up ... or lack thereof! And in answer to whether or not I have ever done the walk of shame … no comment."

Watch the ad in full below, or click here for Stylist's selection of the best seasonal party dresses.

From walk of shame to stride of pride