25 Most Stylish Bostonians of 2008 -- Mike Fiore

Mike Fiore (center). (Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff)

Mike Fiore

Age: 27

Job: Musician (singer, guitarist)

Residence: East Somerville

Your music is pensive, some would say kind of dark. Would you say the way you dress reflects your music? They're intertwined, naturally. I wouldn't say that one informs the other. I wouldn't dress the part musically. I would just say that [the way one dresses] is a natural extension of one's personality.

What kind of clothing suits you best? I'm kind of tall and skinny, and it's always hard to find pants that fit me right. Levi's makes a skinny cut pants that I like. There are a lot of well-dressed people in Boston, and I take my cues from [fellow musician] Dave Hinckley. Sometimes I wait a couple of weeks and wear what he's worn.

What is it about his style? He's always got nice socks. It's amazing.

I saw a photo of you in suspenders. Would you say there's a retro element to your style? It was funny, we were doing the photo shoot in a bowling alley, and a few seniors there thought we were trying to re-create the '30s or '40s. Certain elements [of those decades] are appealing - I like fedoras - but once you get too many elements of the same thing, it kind of becomes a costume or contrived. I think a few elements are safe.

Where do you like to shop around Boston? I tend to shop if I really need something or feel like I can pull something off. I poke around H&M sometimes . . . other than that, I really don't know.