There are sartorial upsides to entertaining at home -- you can get away with bare feet, for one. But prepping for guests leaves little time for fussing over an outfit. These easy pieces get you festive in a flash.

'Tis the season to rock a red frock. When you slip on a bold color, you instantly look awake and pulled together, even if five minutes ago you were scrambling to clean up the living room and set up the bar. Bonus: There's no chance you'll blend in with the crowd.

Petal sleeve dress, in Red, $148, anntaylor.com.

Not only can a pretty patterned top make your go-to black pants feel special occasion-worthy, it will also hide the red wine spills and chafing-dish spatters that are the true signs of a good party.

Monika blouse, by Iro, $285, net-a-porter.com. Wool cigarette pants, in Black, $324, tuckerbygabybasora.com.

This classic shape is elegant and as comfy as a nightgown and requires a minimum of accessories. (It's particularly appropriate with stocking feet.) A bare-shouldered halter version will keep you cool, even in a hot kitchen.

Python halter dress, in Emerald, $395, rebeccataylor.com.

A jewel-encrusted belt fancies up whatever it comes in contact with, from pants and a black tee to any simple workday dress. If you don't want to draw attention to your waist, sparkly shoes or a statement necklace work the same magic.

Wool high-neck dress, in Black, $40, uniqlo.com. Chain-embroidered belt, by Ulla Johnson, $220, from Wright's, 310-376-8553.