A cape on its own is the easiest costume there is. It fastens at the collar, sits over the back, and touches nothing else, so there are no legs to post through and no straps around the belly to argue about. For a puppy meeting fancy dress for the first time, that difference decides whether the outfit lasts the evening or comes off in the hallway.

The cloak drapes properly rather than hanging flat, which is what makes it read as a wizard or vampire look in photos instead of a piece of cloth. It suits cats and dogs alike, layers over a collar or harness without interfering, and folds down small enough to keep in a drawer until next October.