Tatler Ball 2026: a gentleman’s guide to 'Once Upon a Night'

A fairytale-inspired dress code does not mean having to arrive dressed as a storybook character. For Moogs, the occasion is an opportunity for men to step outside their usual sartorial comfort zones and experiment with their personal style. Whether through a subtle touch of fantasy or a more dramatic statement, the idea is to find a balance between imagination, individuality and elegance.

As Moogs puts it, “After all, every Prince Charming has his own story to tell!” 

Haida shares a similar approach, encouraging gentlemen to start with a character, accent or detail that sparks their imagination, then build an outfit around it. It could be a bow, a musical note or even a favourite storybook character. The trick, she explains, is to let the tailoring, fit and choice of material do the work, ensuring the final look feels like a fashion statement rather than a costume.

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A well-tailored tuxedo or suit remains a dependable starting point, but the details are where the fairytale-inspired dressing comes to life. Moogs recommends exploring tactile fabrics such as velvet, jacquard, silk and brocade, alongside interesting proportions through draping, exaggerated cummerbunds and statement collars.

When it comes to colour, consider stepping away from traditional black and experimenting with rich jewel tones such as burgundy, emerald green and midnight blue. Brooches, jewellery and unconventional bow ties can also introduce a little personality without overwhelming the ensemble.

For Haida, it is all about knowing how much drama to introduce. A standard black suit can take on an entirely different character with textured fabrics such as bouclé or tweed, embellishments, colourful waistcoats or a cravat for a dandy-inspired finish. Even accessories can make a difference. A cane, monocle, novelty brooch or colourful footwear can offer an unexpected contrast to an otherwise classic look; and we couldn't agree more!

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For those looking to refresh their evening wardrobe, both stylists have a few designers worth exploring.

Moogs points to Saint Laurent, Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen for classic menswear with a contemporary edge, while Dries Van Noten, Valentino and Conner Ives offer more adventurous interpretations. He also encourages guests to support local talent, highlighting Bernard Chandran, Syomirizwa Gupta, Kit Woo, Dickson Lim and Dikson Mah for their distinctive design languages. For something more personalised, Vestio Bespoke is another option worth considering.

Haida, meanwhile, recommends Rizman Ruzaini for the brand’s expertise in embellishment, while emerging label Ugly Pretty is a fitting choice for those willing to embrace the theme more boldly. On the international front, Thom Browne offers plenty of playful tailoring, while Chanel's jackets and brooches, Tom Ford's statement blazers and Valentino's romantic sensibility can all lend themselves to the occasion.

Ultimately, dressing for Once Upon A Night is less about recreating a fairytale character and more about telling your own style story. Whether you choose a richly textured suit, an unexpected accessory or a little theatrical flair, the most memorable looks will be those that strike the right balance between fantasy and personal expression.

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