Started a new game as a female Breton Mage best looking character i've been able to create it took some time but i'm really happy with the character athsetiically. I'm having fun playing Skyrim in spite of it's problems, none of wich for me are on the game mechanics end. So here's the question do i need Armor or are Robes only viable.

Either works. Armor means you can't get the massive +magica regeneration on robes, so it depends on what your tactic would be. You won't be lobbing as much fireballs, but if your tactic is to conjure an ally and running in with a summoned weapon, it works just fine. The advantage is you'll have more armor. If you go for cloth armor, you will have more magica to spend in a fight, but you are more vulnerable. There are perks that improve shield spells which then become very attractive, but in general you aren't as durable. But with the added magicka, you can pump out more fireballs or shields to compensate. I'd say try both before investing perks in either and then go with what you like best.

Yea, Bretons look like crap when you scroll through the presets but when you start changing things around they are surely one of the best looking races in the game both male and female. When I first scrolled through I thought they were perhaps the worst looking race.