Plot Summary

Ella (Jacy King) is an aspiring fashion designer with a vision for inclusivity. Her designs cater to all body types, breaking the mold of the high-fashion world dominated by unrealistic beauty standards. However, despite her talent and passion, Ella faces constant rejection and criticism from a fashion industry reluctant to embrace size diversity.

Things take an unexpected turn when she meets Derek (Benjamin Hollingsworth), a suave, ambitious editor at a leading fashion magazine. Derek is tasked with revitalizing the magazine by showcasing fresh talent, but he’s stuck in the traditional mindset that fashion is for the thin and glamorous. When Ella gets an opportunity to feature her designs at a major fashion event organized by Derek’s magazine, their worlds collide. Initially skeptical of Ella’s ideas, Derek soon realizes her vision is precisely what the industry needs.

As they work together on the show, sparks fly between Ella and Derek. The two navigate the delicate dance of romance while simultaneously challenging the preconceived norms of beauty and success. Ella must also confront her own self-doubt and believe in her worth, while Derek learns to look beyond the surface and see the beauty in all shapes and sizes.

Characters & Performances

  • Jacy King as Ella: Jacy King delivers a standout performance as Ella, portraying a plus-size fashion designer with dreams as big as her heart. She brings both vulnerability and strength to the role, making Ella a relatable and inspiring character for anyone who has ever felt marginalized or underestimated. King’s portrayal of a woman breaking barriers in an industry notorious for its narrow standards of beauty is empowering and refreshing.

  • Benjamin Hollingsworth as Derek: Hollingsworth plays the charming yet initially misguided Derek. His portrayal evolves from being somewhat superficial and entrenched in the old ways of fashion to embracing Ella's vision of inclusivity. Hollingsworth effectively conveys this transformation, making his character's journey from skeptic to supporter one of the film’s central arcs.

  • Supporting Cast: The supporting characters, including Ella’s best friend and her mentor in the fashion world, add warmth and depth to the story. They provide comic relief as well as emotional support, reinforcing the film’s themes of friendship, confidence, and the importance of having a strong support system. These relationships help to build a rich, supportive backdrop for Ella's journey of self-discovery.

Themes & Analysis

Romance in Style is more than just a love story; it’s a film with a message about self-acceptance, body positivity, and pushing back against outdated standards of beauty. The film explores these themes in a way that feels authentic, offering viewers a romance rooted in personal growth.

  1. Body Positivity and Inclusivity: Central to the film is the idea that fashion—and beauty—should be inclusive. Ella’s journey highlights the discrimination faced by plus-size women in a fashion world that has traditionally been exclusive. The film emphasizes that beauty is not defined by size or shape, but by confidence, creativity, and individuality. Ella’s designs and her determination to showcase them represent a bold step towards challenging industry norms.

  2. Self-Worth and Confidence: While Ella is talented and passionate, she struggles with self-doubt. Her journey is not only about achieving success in fashion but also about learning to embrace her own value and talents. The film does a wonderful job portraying the internal battle many people face when it comes to self-esteem, particularly when the world tells them they don’t fit the mold.

  3. Challenging Beauty Standards: Derek’s character serves as a reflection of the fashion industry’s obsession with superficial beauty. His transformation from someone who views beauty in narrow terms to a man who understands the importance of inclusivity is a metaphor for the broader changes needed in fashion and media. His arc provides the film’s secondary theme of challenging and rethinking long-held norms.

  4. Romantic Growth: The love story between Ella and Derek is not just about physical attraction but about mutual respect and shared passions. Their relationship grows as they challenge each other’s perspectives—Ella teaches Derek the value of diversity, while Derek helps Ella to believe in herself and her talent. The film emphasizes that true romance is rooted in supporting each other’s dreams and growth.

Direction & Cinematography

Stacey N. Harding directs with a light touch, keeping the tone of the film upbeat and positive while still allowing for moments of emotional depth. The pacing is smooth, ensuring that the romantic and thematic elements of the story are given equal weight. Harding strikes a balance between the glamorous world of fashion and the more personal, intimate moments that define Ella’s journey.

The cinematography is vibrant, particularly during the fashion show scenes where Ella’s inclusive designs come to life. The colors, lights, and outfits create a dazzling spectacle, giving the film a sense of glamor that contrasts beautifully with its more grounded, emotional moments. The camera work helps reinforce the film’s message—capturing beauty in all its forms.

Romance & Chemistry

The chemistry between Jacy King and Benjamin Hollingsworth is undeniable, and their romantic journey feels organic and sincere. Unlike many rom-coms where conflict feels contrived, the tension between Ella and Derek arises naturally from their different worldviews. The progression of their relationship—from professional colleagues to romantic partners—is believable and engaging. Their connection is built on mutual admiration, making their love story feel more substantial than just a fleeting attraction.

Weaknesses

While Romance in Style brings a refreshing narrative of inclusivity to the romantic drama genre, it does follow some familiar Hallmark tropes. The storyline is somewhat predictable, especially when it comes to the resolution of Ella’s professional and personal conflicts. The film also plays it safe by avoiding deeper confrontations with the harsher realities of the fashion industry’s treatment of plus-size women.

There are moments where the story could have dived deeper into the challenges Ella faces, but the film chooses to keep things light and accessible, which may leave some viewers wanting more complexity. Additionally, Derek’s transformation from a traditional fashion editor to a champion of inclusivity happens rather quickly, and while his growth is heartwarming, it feels somewhat rushed.

Final Thoughts

Romance in Style is an inspiring, feel-good romantic drama that blends heartwarming romance with a message of self-love and inclusivity. Jacy King’s standout performance as Ella, paired with Benjamin Hollingsworth’s charismatic Derek, makes for an engaging love story. The film’s exploration of body positivity and the push for inclusivity in fashion adds a refreshing, modern twist to the classic Hallmark formula.