Equipment and such, need help.

I've already played in one Beta event but still I can't seem to understand how the equipment works. The visual part that is.

I know you can get different dyes to colour your armor, but seriously all characters I've seen have the same looking armor on them. How am I supposed to get a unique looking armor? Is it even possible?

I heard from someone that you can craft with some scales or something to get a more good-looking armor.

Please help, I don't wanna look like everyone else.

Earlier in the game most people will be using the armor they start with, then upgrade to whatever is the best they can find. You can have the "Crafters" craft you new armor, they are in all major cities, and some of the big outposts. Some of the armors will make you look a lot different, others will have less noticable visual differences.

there are some great guides on the subject right here on the website:
Armor Crafting 101 by Spooky
Armour Selection Guide by Keramon