I dont mind the AF sets, but I will definitely admit I am sick to DEATH of ROBES.
To be honest, I have nothing against robes, but they always looks so bland. If the robes looked more akin to say Y'Shtola's new set I might consider sticking with it.
I posted some pics on a thread a few months ago that was bitching about robes. The designs I posted were robes, but they had very intricate designs and generally had a bad-ass feel to them. Mage robes in XIV are far too lack-luster for my opinion.
When I think of mages I think of stuff like this:
Pulled these off Google Image search, but there are many many cool looking designs. Credit to their respective owners, whoever they may be.