Great ideas guys! How about if certain gear came with slots where capes and "materia-like" boosts could be equipped. This would add an extra layer of customization to gear stats whilst maintaining that specific flavor to each class/job's uniqueness. This would be available for mid-high levels and would be something more for higher ranked players to show-off a bit. I also love the idea about propping hoods up or down in the same way we hide headgear, giving 2 looks with one accessory.

I'm drooling at the image of my cape flowing while riding on my chocobo into the sunset in full plate armor (choco in plate too!)