You know that feeling when you're scrolling through the Hallmark Channel or a streaming service and a movie just looks different? It’s not just the lighting or the predictably cozy town. Sometimes, it’s the clothes. Or, more accurately, it’s the way the movie talks about the clothes. Romance in Style is one of those movies. When it dropped as part of the "Fall into Love" programming event, it hit a nerve. Not because it reinvented the wheel of the "high-powered professional meets down-to-earth guy" trope, but because of the specific chemistry of the Romance in Style cast and the message they were carrying.
Honestly, a lot of people sleep on these TV movies. They think they’re all carbon copies. They aren’t.
The Faces That Made the Fashion Work
At the heart of the film is Jaicy Elliot. You probably recognize her from Grey’s Anatomy where she plays Taryn Helm. In this film, she plays Ella, a freelance seamstress and aspiring designer who is determined to create high-end fashion for bodies that look like hers. It’s a plus-size centric story, which, let’s be real, isn't something we see enough of in mainstream romantic comedies. Elliot brings this grounded, lived-in energy to the role. She doesn't play Ella as a "before" picture waiting for a "weighted" makeover. She’s already the "after." She’s confident.
Then you have Benjamin Hollingsworth.
He plays Derek, the "Prince of Publishing" who inherits a fashion magazine called The Look. Hollingsworth is a staple in this world, known heavily for his role as Dan Brady in Virgin River. He’s got that classic leading man vibe, but in this specific project, he’s essentially the audience surrogate—the guy who has to learn that the fashion industry has been ignoring a massive demographic for decades.
The chemistry between Elliot and Hollingsworth is what keeps the movie from feeling like a lecture on body positivity. It feels like a genuine connection.
The Supporting Players You Might Recognize
It’s never just about the leads. The Romance in Style cast is rounded out by some veteran performers who provide the necessary friction.
- Connie Manfredi as Shira: Every protagonist needs a best friend who is willing to tell them the truth while holding a measuring tape. Manfredi provides that "ride or die" energy that makes the world of the film feel like a community rather than just a movie set.
- Laura Soltis as Claudia: You need a bit of the old-guard perspective. Soltis plays the role of Derek's mother, representing the traditional, perhaps slightly rigid, views of what high fashion "should" be. Soltis has a long resume in the genre, including appearances in Hiccups and Paris, Wine & Romance.
- Jordin Sparks as Herself: This was a bit of a "wait, is that actually her?" moment for many viewers. The American Idol winner and multi-platinum recording artist appears in a cameo that serves as a massive plot catalyst. She doesn’t just show up for a song; her character's interest in Ella's designs is what bridges the gap between a small-time dream and a big-time career.
Why This Specific Cast Mattered for the Message
If they had cast a typical "sample size" actress and put her in a slightly oversized sweater to pretend she was "unconventional," the movie would have flopped. Hard. The authenticity of Jaicy Elliot is the foundation.
Elliott has been very vocal in interviews about the importance of visibility. She’s noted that playing a character whose primary conflict isn't just "trying to lose weight" but rather "trying to change an entire industry" was a huge draw. This nuance is why the Romance in Style cast resonates. They aren't just playing parts; they are participating in a shift in how TV movies handle body image.
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It's about the clothes, sure. But it’s more about the gaze.
The film was directed by Michael Robison, a prolific director in the TV movie circuit. He’s handled everything from The Christmas Bow to Deadly Class. His experience shows in the way he balances the lighthearted romantic beats with the more serious discussions about inclusivity in the workplace.
Breaking Down the Dynamics
The movie leans into the "opposites attract" dynamic, but with a professional twist. Derek is the businessman who knows numbers but doesn't know "the soul" of the product. Ella knows the soul but lacks the platform.
It’s a classic symbiotic relationship.
- The Professional Conflict: Derek needs to save a failing magazine.
- The Creative Spark: Ella provides a fresh perspective that the market is starving for.
- The Personal Connection: They realize their values align more than their backgrounds suggest.
There’s a scene involving a "lookbook" that really highlights the acting range of the leads. It’s not just about looking pretty; it’s about the vulnerability of showing someone your art and having them truly see it. Hollingsworth plays the "awakening" of his character with a subtle touch. He’s not a villain who turns good; he’s an uninformed man who becomes an ally.
Behind the Scenes: The Real Fashion
Interestingly, the fashion in the movie wasn't just pulled off a random rack. The production had to ensure that the "inclusive" designs Ella was supposedly creating actually looked the part.
The costume designer, Quita Alfred, had a massive task. In a film where the plot literally hinges on the quality and fit of the clothing for plus-size women, the costumes couldn't afford to be an afterthought. This adds a layer of "meta-reality" to the Romance in Style cast's performances. When Ella talks about the drape of a fabric or the placement of a seam, the actress is wearing the evidence.
It makes the stakes feel real.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Movie
Some critics initially dismissed the film as "just another Hallmark movie." That’s a mistake.
While it follows the structural beats of the genre, the casting of Jaicy Elliot was a deliberate move toward a more representative form of storytelling. Usually, these movies feature a very specific, very narrow aesthetic. By placing a plus-size woman at the center of a fashion-based romance—not as a joke, not as a sidekick, but as the glamorous lead—the production team changed the math.
Also, can we talk about the fact that the romance doesn't feel forced? Sometimes in these quick-turnaround productions, the leads feel like they just met five minutes before the cameras rolled. Here, there’s a slow burn. They argue about business. They debate aesthetics. They respect each other’s minds before they fall for each other’s faces.
A Quick Reality Check
Is it a gritty documentary about the cutthroat nature of the New York fashion world? No.
Is it a sanitized, feel-good version of that world? Yes.
But within that "feel-good" framework, it tackles the very real issue of "sizeism" in luxury retail. It points out that millions of women have money to spend but no one is designing clothes they actually want to wear. That is a factual business reality in 2026 and beyond. The Romance in Style cast brings that conversation to a living room audience that might not otherwise engage with fashion industry politics.
The Lasting Impact of the Romance in Style Cast
Since the movie premiered, the actors have moved on to various projects, but the film remains a "fan favorite" in the rotation.
Jaicy Elliot continues to be a powerhouse on Grey’s Anatomy, while Benjamin Hollingsworth remains one of the most recognizable faces in the "cozy drama" genre. Their collaboration here stands as a benchmark for how to do "inclusive" content without it feeling like a checkbox exercise.
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It’s about the vibe. It’s about the fact that they actually look like they’re having fun.
If you’re looking for a deep dive into the specific filmography of every extra, you won’t find it here. What you will find is the realization that this specific group of people—from the leads to the cameo by Jordin Sparks—created something that felt a little bit more "real" than the average TV movie.
How to Appreciate the Film Today
If you’re planning a rewatch or checking it out for the first time, keep an eye on these specific details:
- The color palettes: Notice how Ella’s wardrobe evolves as her confidence grows.
- The dialogue: Listen for the specific terminology used regarding garment construction; it’s surprisingly accurate.
- The chemistry: Watch the "non-verbal" moments between Elliot and Hollingsworth during the office scenes.
The Romance in Style cast succeeded because they didn't treat the material like a "silly" romance. They treated it like a story about a woman claiming her space in a world that didn't want to give it to her.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans of the Genre
If you enjoyed the performances in this film, there are a few ways to dive deeper into this specific corner of the entertainment world:
Follow the leads on their primary shows. If you only know Jaicy Elliot from this movie, you’re missing out on her long-running arc on Grey’s Anatomy. Similarly, Benjamin Hollingsworth’s work on Virgin River provides a much more dramatic look at his acting range.
Look for the "inclusive" trend in newer releases. Since Romance in Style was a hit, networks have been more willing to greenlight stories with diverse leads. Check out the latest lineups from Hallmark and Lifetime to see how the "blueprint" laid by this movie is being used today.
Support the designers. Many of the themes in the movie reflect real-world struggles for independent designers. If you liked the "style" part of Romance in Style, look into real-world inclusive brands like Universal Standard or Big Bud Press, which operate with the same philosophy as the fictional Ella.
Track the Director. Michael Robison has a very specific "look" to his films. If you liked the pacing and visual style of this movie, look up his other Hallmark credits. You’ll start to see the patterns in how he builds a romantic atmosphere.
Ultimately, the movie works because the people in it believed in the story they were telling. It wasn't just a paycheck; it was a statement. And in the world of TV movies, a little bit of genuine belief goes a long way.