Romance in Style
6.5/10 · 2,446 ratings20221h 24mWeirdness 4/10
Where to watch
Via 
JustWatch · can change anytime.
The premise
Ella's unique designs inspire publishing mogul Derek to include plus-sized fashion in his magazine. It's not long before Derek realizes Ella's influence reaches far beyond the cat walk.
How unusual is it?
A fairly classic Hallmark setup with a quirk or two.
Who’s in it
Alongside them
Show all 10 castShow fewer
Behind the camera
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Directed by
Written by
Wait, what?
The quirks and curveballs that make this one a little weirder than your average Hallmark. No spoilers, promise.
- The 'IFFF' factor acronym (Inspiration, Fabric, Fit, Financials)
- The specific mention of Derek being the '7th most eligible bachelor in New York' based on a dating site poll
- Liza's 'red-carpet special' filler/botox subplot
Every trope, all in one place
Here’s everything this one has going on, from the setting to the way it wraps up. Tap any of the 31 to find more movies that do the same thing.
Time & season2
Premise1
Characters6
Romance6
Tone & quirks6
Why we’d put this one on
Here is a fashion-world romance that actually has something on its mind. Ella, a plus-size designer working as a freelance sewer, catches the eye of Derek, a publishing heir trying to drag his family's failing magazine into the present. She pitches him on real inclusivity, and they end up building a more honest version of the glossy together. Jaicy Elliot makes Ella warm and sharp at once, and Benjamin Hollingsworth plays the kind of softening corporate type the network does well. There is also a delightfully specific running bit about Ella's "IFFF" philosophy: Inspiration, Fabric, Fit, Financials. Cozy, modern, and a little proud of itself in the best way.
How it all plays out
Already seen it, or just can’t wait? Open this up for the whole story, ending included.
Full story (spoilers)
Ella Richards is a skilled sewer in New York's Garment District who dreams of being a designer for plus-size women. While working for her mentor Max, she meets legendary designer Annie Chew and impresses her with a creative garment modification. Meanwhile, Derek Colby, the son of publishing mogul Roger Colby, is appointed to revive 'The Look' magazine, which is losing subscribers. Ella and Derek have a 'meet-cute' at a coffee shop where Derek is distracted by business calls and messes up a milk order, leading Ella to judge him for his entitlement. Later, Ella's roommate Katie, who works at the magazine, brings Ella in as a temp sewer for a high-profile shoot. Derek recognizes Ella and, realizing he knows nothing about fashion, hires her as a consultant to help him navigate the industry and the hostility of the elitist Editor-in-Chief, Claudia Davenport.
Ella teaches Derek her 'IFFF' factor: Inspiration, Fabric, Fit, and Financials. They spend time together in the Garment District and at a youth center Derek runs in Brooklyn, where Ella realizes he is more than just a 'Prince of Publishing.' Derek decides to relaunch the digital magazine with a focus on body positivity and inclusivity, featuring an article about Ella's designs. This causes a rift with Claudia, who believes fashion should be 'aspirational' and exclusive to traditional model sizes. Claudia and her assistant Liza attempt to sabotage Ella by removing her from the guest list of the magazine's relaunch party. Though Derek fixes the invitation, Liza later manipulates Ella at the party, convincing her that Derek is only using her to secure advertising deals with Annie Chew.
Heartbroken, Ella retreats to her sewing, but Derek eventually confronts his father to prove his business acumen and his commitment to the new direction. He surprises Ella by arranging a professional photo shoot for her 'Ella Originals' line featuring her idol, supermodel Candice Huffine. Annie Chew offers Ella a partnership, and Derek confesses that Ella means everything to him. The film concludes with the successful launch of the inclusive digital magazine and Ella and Derek beginning a relationship as equals in both fashion and life.
Beat by beat
Opening
Ella and Derek have a tense first meeting at a coffee shop over a botched milk order.
Inciting Incident
Derek hires Ella as a fashion consultant to help him modernize 'The Look' magazine and handle the difficult Editor-in-Chief, Claudia.
Midpoint
Ella teaches Derek the 'IFFF' factor and they bond over a game of basketball at Derek's Brooklyn youth center.
Complication
Claudia and Liza attempt to sabotage Ella's career and her relationship with Derek by excluding her from the relaunch party.
Climax
Liza convinces Ella that Derek is using her for advertising leverage; Ella leaves the party in tears.
Resolution
Derek proves his love and professional respect by organizing a high-fashion shoot for Ella's designs with supermodel Candice Huffine.
31 tropes in one movie
We counted 31 distinct Hallmark tropes packed into this one — a genuine greatest-hits reel.
How it stacks up
Where this one’s rating lands against every other rated Hallmark movie.
Higher-rated than 54% of every rated Hallmark movie. The median is 6.4.
Where this one fits
The corners of the catalog Romance in Style belongs to — handy if you’re after more of the same.
Lines worth quoting
The lines that stuck with us — the ones you’ll be repeating after the credits roll.
“Mirrors used to be the enemy, and now they're just a piece of glass. What I see is up to me.”
— Ella RichardsExplaining her journey with body confidence to Derek. “I'd rather have your respect than a paycheck.”
— Ella RichardsNegotiating her consulting deal with Derek. “Body positivity isn't just some trendy slogan, it matters, it matters to a lot of women out there.”
— Derek ColbyDuring his speech at the digital magazine relaunch party.
Meet the characters
Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.
Ella Richards
LeadSewer and Aspiring Designer
ConfidentTalentedHonestAdvocate for body positivityDerek Colby
Love interestPublisher
Love interest and employer
AthleticBusiness-mindedOpen-mindedCharmingClaudia Davenport
AntagonistEditor-in-Chief
Professional rival/Antagonist
ElitistTraditionalistDemandingKatie
SupportingAspiring Fashion Editor
Roommate and best friend
LoyalAmbitiousSupportive
Questions people ask about Romance in Style
Where can I watch Romance in Style?
Romance in Style is available via fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Philo. Streaming options change often, so check current availability before settling in.
How long is Romance in Style?
Romance in Style runs about 1 hour and 24 minutes, and was released in 2022.
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