If you're choosing to level up via running the highest level dungeon available to you, each time you clear a dungeon you'll get a gear drop (that will be useable by your class) automatically at the end.
And of course, there's always the chance that treasure chests will drop more gear for you.
But absolutely DO spend poetics on Ironworks gear when you hit lvl 50, it will carry you all the way to lvl 60.