That was the question puzzling candidates on the eve of Tuesday's election.

Should it be a conservative suit? Sensible or stylish shoes? For some, the answer would be "dress as usual'', while others would spend weeks plotting their polling day duds. Political handlers made the decision for some, others relied on their wives' instincts.

On election day, warm temperatures, leaden skies and the certainty of long hours on their feet would also weigh into the equation. Later, torrential rain would destroy many a tailored image.

On election day, Taste made random visits to the hustings to study candidate fashions -- 1993-style. Here is a sampling of what was found: Certainly, the American influence of "power dressing'' was not lost on male candidates -- many of whom, from the Premier down, sported the statutory dark blue suit.

Double breasted or single, vented or not vented, with or without a subtle stripe or check -- these were mere refinements on the ultra-conservative theme.

Ties were fashionable but generally unflamboyant. Regimental stripes, Paisleys and jacquard prints prevailed, though Liberty flowers blossomed on more than one hopeful chest. Slaves of perceived voter preferences opted for permutations of red and navy, though splashier patterns in earth and fruit tones showed a sense of trendiness. One -- highly prophetic as it turned out -- said "Help!'' Shirts either blended or contrasted sharply. White led the way -- especially with navy. Most collars were circulation-stopping crisp. A few were as wrinkled as the necks they encircled.

Beneath the muddy glaze, formal lace-up's led the way in men's footwear, with tasselled slip-ons a hot second. Sensible shoes -- those mango-shaped mashers which follow the shape of the foot rather than fashion -- were, like their owners' final tallies, in the minority.

Women in the dress-up mode commonly mince about in high heels but, as the Queen knows, standing for hours on end in one place doesn't cut the comfort mustard. So while the men toughed it out in sodden discomfort, ever-practical women candidates raised and lowered their sights as appropriate: High-heels for the those important moments, flat heels for relief.

For the ladies, it was flash, dash and practicality in the dress department.

Off the peg or home-sewn, their outfits were chosen to make a specific statement. Pearl-something and gold led the jewellery stakes, while custom-made cedar jewellery was the most unusual. Gold bracelets were worn by both sexes, and watches ranged from drug store to dream-about-it.

Raingear was less favoured than tarpaulin-sized umbrellas, with Dr. David Dyer taking the prize for the jazziest design (Indy 500 checks). In only one case was a politically-correct tan gabardine coat visible.

Foul weather caused more than one candidate to change outfits. Among the impeccably dressed, Minister of Education the Hon. Dr. Clarence Terceira, and UBP hopefuls Mr. Ramadhim Smith and Independent Mr. Stuart Hayward were outstanding.

The men were more than happy to discuss their wardrobes. The men were especially keen. Some let their wives tell all, with one saying: "He tells me everything.'' Now that's party unity! Prize for the brightest dress went to Deputy Premier the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto, whose elegantly cut tomato-red linen number was a brilliant foil to the rain-drenched day.

"I wanted to be cool, comfortable and visible,'' she said of her choice.

It was also why PLP Pembroke West Central candidate Ms Neletha Butterfield chose a flowing, three-piece ensemble in shades of russet, turquoise, gold and black. The clever cut allowed her to move gracefully as she welcomed voters with long, peach coloured nails.

In Devonshire North, former PLP leader Mrs. Lois Browne Evans cut a feminine figure in her three-piece outfit, with accordion-pleated skirt and removable jacket. In tones of soft beige and white splashed with gold and orange stars, it was a flattering choice.

A stitch in time was how Mrs. Grace Bell came to be wearing her outfit of black skirt, white blouse and red jacket.

"My sister Emily ran this up last night. Check it out!'' she exclaimed. "I wanted to wear all red, but I couldn't find the right shade in town. They were all so dull!'' Unique in her choice of slacks was Mrs. Aurelia Burch. The PLP aspirant in Paget East made the very best of her second choice -- a toning khaki linen ensemble trimmed with white lace, woven leather belt and matching lace-ups.

Her first choice (white culottes) had been splattered with coffee.

"I'm generally conservative,'' she said of the outfit. "These are the sorts of things I like. But maybe I should be brightening up at this stage in life...'' Setting a similar tone at the same polling station was the UBP's the Hon. Dr.

John Stubbs, who offset a smart Palm Beach suit with jazzy polka dot braces and an elegantly patterned tie.

"I am reliably informed that the colours voters like best are red and blue,'' he said of the silk creation. "However, I have been over this course so many times I think people have made up their minds well in advance and are not going to be attracted or distracted by my attire. As long as one is comfortable and tasteful, that is all they expect.'' Smartly dressed Minister of Tourism the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge is also a "label man''. Pulling aside the lapel of his Italian, double-breasted navy suit to reveal an Ermenegildo Zegna label, he said: "Make sure you get that.'' Of his well coordinated outfit (blue shirt with white collar, navy and red regimental stripe tie with matching pocket handkerchief, black, tasselled moccasins) the minister said: "I am an organised person and I chose it very carefully, I always do. I believe the occasion calls for a conservative approach.'' NLP hopeful Graeme Outerbridge is also a labels man.

"I'm wearing a Barneys of New York navy blazer, Stefanel tie, Bally shoes, Gap shirt and monogrammed blazer buttons,'' he volunteered.

The mystery of who manufactured his plaid boxer shorts remains.

For contrast, PLP hopeful Dr. Clark Godwin would be hard to beat.

Dressed from head to foot in black cotton brocade, the dreadlocked dentist said his smock and trousers ensemble was of West African design and made to order.

"I think black is a very powerful colour. Judges wear it. It commands authority. Professors' robes are black. On this occasion I wanted to look as honest as a judge and be as diplomatic as a professor. Besides, I look good in it,'' he said.

Local national dress -- Bermuda shorts -- was the choice of former Government Whip Dr. David Dyer and PLP hopeful, Mr. Danny Farias.

"I never wear anything else, summer or winter, except in the House,'' the dentist said of his yellow shorts. To set them off, he chose a burgundy and white pinstripe shirt, navy jacket and knee socks, brown shoes and a House of Commons tie.

Mr. Farias proved as smart as his rhetoric in kelly green shorts, yellow flecked jacket, black knee socks and white-on-white striped shirt.

"This was carefully planned well ahead of time. My wife thought I should wear it,'' he said.

Drawing attention to his tie -- at first blush a random pattern of many colours but on closer inspection a repeating pattern of the statement "Help!'' -- the fisherman joked: "I thought I could use some!'' How much do wives influence their husband's choice of clothing? In the case of the Minister of Finance the Hon. Dr. David Saul, his spouse chose a light blue suit.

"It's her favourite,'' he said.

NLP leader Mr. Gilbert Darrell said: "My wife didn't influence me at all.

Sometimes she does with ties, but not today. I just closed my eyes and picked it.'' In the absence of her Premier husband, Lady Swan was a tad puzzled when asked about his ensemble.

"What is he wearing? Oh dear, let me see. I think he's wearing a blue suit, white shirt, black shoes, navy socks, but I can't remember what tie. I think he's worn blue in all the elections. I think perhaps it's his lucky suit ...'' Luck was also a factor in NLP candidate Mr. Geoff Parker's choice of navy tie with fine silver stripe.

"Whenever good things have happened to me, I've always had this tie on. If it doesn't work today I will retire it,'' he promised.

When it came to the special touches that made outfits complete, the women's most popular choice was the boutonniere. Mrs. Farias opted for a peach carnation for her husband of 30 years, while Mrs. Angela Hayward chose a red-tipped white rose for ex-husband Stuart.

Also jumping on the blossoms bandwagon were Mrs. Grace Bell's son, who sent his mom to the polls with her traditional arrangement of white roses. In Hamilton East, supporters bedecked UBP hopefuls Wendell Hollis and Francis Furbert with roses and carnations.

Combining heritage with tradition, Mrs. Browne Evans sported her special PLP brooch, crafted in Bermuda by the late John Davis. "It's unique, and I've been wearing it since 1968,'' she said.

Dr. Godwin's cedar pendant had a different purpose. "It is the key of life,'' he said.

SPOTTING THE WINNER! -- Former Opposition Leader Mrs. Lois Browne Evans chose polka dots for her starring role in the PLP's victory in Devonshire South. Her unique Bermuda cedar party pin is a tradition going back to 1968.

TOGETHER AT POLL -- Dressed to impress, from left, Mr. Trevor Moniz (UBP), Minister of Tourism the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge, Dr. Clark Godwin (PLP) and Mr. Graeme Outerbridge (NLP).

OCTOBER 1993 ELECTION