For those of you who follow fashion, you know that the various shows in the fashion capitals of the world have just ended, and on display were the latest trends in hemlines, colors, shapes, and fabrics. But what was also on display, and increasingly so, were models who reflect real women, in all their shapes, sizes, ethnicities and even ages. For a first-hand look at this changing fashion landscape, including the appearance of older and “unconventional” runway models, take a look at this recent post by That’s Not My Age’s Alyson Walsh.

Perhaps the most interesting, and unlikely, model strutting her stuff these days is 67-year-old JoAni Johnson. Having just recently launched her modeling career after being spotted on a New York City street, Johnson is not your typical high-fashion figure. First, she’s only 5’4”. And while innately stylish and strikingly beautiful, walking on a runway has not been her life’s calling. She’s had various careers in business and merchandising and it was only with her now- deceased husband’s encouragement that she has arrived as the cool, older “it” girl of the fashion world. To get a better sense of her style and story, check out a recent profile of her here.  

Johnson reflects a movement in the fashion world toward acknowledging that older women still enjoy fashion, can be stylish and beautiful, and that they have money to spend on new clothes. As such, it’s no wonder that 97-year-old Iris Apfel was recently signed to a modeling agency or that 91-year-old British fashion model Daphne Selfe, who began modeling in 1949, still finds herself on magazine covers. Selfe even runs an online fashion academy for women who want her advice about a fashion model career.

And while most of us have neither the look nor the interest in taking up runway fashion, it doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy a stylish outfit or the latest trends to hit the racks. If that sounds like you, then open your closet and read about the top 30 fashion blogs for women over 50.