This is just a thought i had some time ago when it was a bit of an issue, that's not the case now but still i figured i might as well post this.

Would it/will it be possible to simply have appropriate materials effect the stats and required class/level of an item?
Allowing the crafter to make any appropriate looking gear from materials for the buyers chosen look.
It would mean that while players could have end game stats we wouldn't all necessarily look identical to each other, With colour being our only way to stand out from one another.

It would also go someway towards the wardrobe idea some others want (and i don't), but this way we don't have bunnygirl Bikini outfits on Roegadyn while they are tanking lol.
(really wish i hadn't thought of that now)

It would mean visual assets can be used over all levels, hopefully meaning we can get a lot more variations of items, again adding diversity to how people look.

Oh and another idea :
This could even be expanded on by adding a slot for custom items to the crafting/post crafting of some gear (similar principle to trophy slots but done during crafting) to give them a differing look extra bit or another section of around around the shoulders/neck.
(this idea could have a toggle option in the menu to reduce stress on low end PC's/PS3)