The temperature is high and so are spirits! It’s finally summer here on Jersey City’s streets and the style is as hot as pavement. Here’s a sampling of some of the looks from Jersey City residents – from natives to transplants – and other pedestrians that I ran into while wandering Grove Street, Jersey City Project’s Project: Eats food festival, and other neighborhood spots over that last couple weeks. Each of these subjects were warm by nature and stylish by design. I was delighted to feature them in this piece, to begin the narrative of uniqueness that inhabits JC through documenting their everyday looks and by investigating their character.

Latasha Myers, wearing a pair of olive pants from Tia’s Place in Jersey City, “Strong Coffee” bronze sparkle top, earrings, wrist pieces, and rings from various vintage and thrift shops, is a stylist who maintains a trendy aesthetic by pulling looks from the past by way of local vintage and consignment shops. She remains stylish and chic with her relaxed looks. Born and raised in Jersey City, Latasha has explored and frequented many of the shops and restaurants – new and old – but she often goes to Left Bank Burger Bar downtown where says you’ll get “Hands down the best burger.” Check out Latasha on Instagram @perfectly_chic.

Mateo Ahki is a native Jersey City producer and visionary. When I stumbled across him at the Newark Ave Plaza, he was sporting a 5B Rose Pink tee from 5BORONYC, an old pair of G-Star cargos, Supreme “Franklin” cap, and a pair of Black & Gasoline print Nike hi-tops. To Mateo, first impressions are everything. He says, “When you dress nicely, it radiates through your presence and as a musician, my presence is expected.” His JC highlight is the chicken spot on a drunken night. Take a listen on SoundCloud and take a look on Instagram @mateoahki.

Black meets blue in this leisurely flash fashion getup with a seafoam button-down from H&M, tank from Forever21, dropped crotch bottoms from J.Crew, and a burst of royal blue from his Nikes. Kareem Rogers keeps it flashy with his well curated, but gentle-on-the-wallet styles. Not surprising as he’s hopped around the city as a visual merchandiser for the last six years. Style is important to him because he recognizes we should have complete autonomy over the ways we express ourselves, and fashion is the best place to start. You can find Kareem bouncing between the rooftop of Porta on a summer night or the pier at Exchange Place where he’s taking in a stunning view of the city. Follow him on Instagram @kvixiiilxx.

I couldn’t help but capture the monochromatic grace that struck me when I ran into Kimberly Anne and her French bulldog, Ralphie Capone at Jersey City’s Project: Eats last weekend. Kim’s got on a striped crop from a recent visit to L.A. over a pair of Comme de Garçons harem pants, and metallic silver sneakers from Common Projects. For accessories, she’s sporting rings from Yves Saint Laurent, Etsy, and a flea market (where she also found her sunglasses). Ralphie is rocking a Voyager Harness and Dogness Leather collar and leash. To Kim and Ralphie, style is self-expression – a reflection of who they are and who they want to inspire. Between walks, you can find them at Torico Ice Cream and Miso Ramen in Downtown, Jersey City, or on the ‘gram @kimburlieanne and @ralphiecapone (yes, the dog has an Instagram).

Danielle Mullens’s style is all about moments. “Right now,” she says, “I am in a moment of manic instability and clear serene rest, which is probably why I chose my black & white dress.” Lately, Danielle’s femininity has been overtaking her worn-out tomboyish aesthetic, naturally, and she says “It is a comfort zone that I am slowly moving from and I have decided to let my curves lead the way.” But that doesn’t stop her from paying homage to her roots by dusting off the old turquoise Chucks. She finishes off her unique look with a beautiful vintage kimono around her waist and a lovely bedazzled shoulder bag. Her favorite spot (and place of employment) in JC is the Brunswick Center which is an education, wellness and fitness facility where Danielle holds the title of Property Manager. Find her on Instagram @muneca_mullens.