Start with something easy that still feels like an occasion. Simkhai's brown ribbed Genna midi dress, Taller Marmo's leopard-print sequined Truman kaftan, Alaïa's black leather ballet flats and Completedworks' gold vermeil and pearl earrings strike that balance.

Choose a dress you can move in without thinking about it. Proenza Schouler White Label's dark green Nyssa midi and Johanna Ortiz's burgundy printed silk Heatborne wrap dress are relaxed but polished. Tom Ford's black Lurex halterneck maxi and Magda Butrym's cream lace-trimmed midi suit more formal evenings.

A kaftan is the most comfortable way to look dressed up at home. Tory Burch's sand linen-blend kaftan and Lemlem's green striped Belkis caftan are relaxed and airy. Missoni's orange striped crochet-knit kaftan and Sara Cristina's blue georgette kaftan feel more festive.

You will be on your feet all night, so leave the heels in the closet. Aeyde's burgundy suede Ellie flats and Jimmy Choo's forest green Margot flats are comfortable and elegant. Gianvito Rossi's brown velvet ballet flats and Balenciaga's light brown Alaska suede slippers are soft enough for home.

One bold piece of jewelry makes a simple dress feel like an occasion. Bottega Veneta's gold-plated earrings and Martha Calvo's Protection necklace are the subtler picks. Lizzie Fortunato's green glass and quartz Verdant earrings and Jennifer Behr's red carnelian Allison earrings add colour.

The best hosting outfits look relaxed but considered. If you take one thing away, let it be to put comfort first, because you will be cooking, serving and moving between rooms all night. A midi dress or kaftan in a rich colour looks special without trying too hard. Flat shoes are the smart call, and velvet or suede pairs look dressier than sneakers. We would skip long, trailing sleeves near the stove, and anything too fitted to sit comfortably through a long dinner. Let one piece of jewelry do the talking, and your guests will notice the care you took.