I noticed that in the Alteration Tree one of the perks is that spells like Oakflesh, Stoneflesh, etc. become stronger if you're not wearing any armor. Chest plates seem obvious but what about helmets, boots, and gauntlets?

If it's the case that all of the above count as armor then what about normal boots? Or is my mage supposed to walk around barefooted? I also assume that robes of any kind don't count as armor, right?

I guess if the armor rating is above 1?

normal boots, gloves, robes etc do not have an armor rating.

only armor has an armor rating.

don't forget those spells are designed to give mages some armor.

Okay then. That's what I wanted to know. I'm trying to just be a pure mage, wearing only robes and shoes/boots. I haven't reached the level I'm talking about just yet so I'll keep my iron boots and gauntlets until then... or should I not be doing that either. I mean, when I cast Stoneflesh right now, am I not getting its benefits due to the very limited armor I am wearing?

i don't know. my warrior always wears armor.

try the spell wih and then without the iron armor pieces and see.

If you select the piece of clothing in question in your inventory and look at the upper left corner of the description it will say if it is light or heavy armor. Some boots are armor and some are not.

good to know, thanks

All -flesh spells stack on top of your current armor rating, meaning you can wear armor and still benefit from the additional points. However, the perk Mage Armor takes effect only when you're not wearing any armor. Oddly enough, shield is not counted as armor - you can carry it and still benefit from the Mage Armor.

You can also hold a dead skeever in the air in front of you, and it will block arrows and protect you and it doesn't count as armor either.

at last a use for dead skeevers. LOL

Good to know that a shield doesn't count against the mage armor perk.
Additionally the Amulet of Articulation grants an armor bonus but does not count as armor so far as mage armor is concerned. The same goes for Ulfric's bracers.

If it says light or heavy in the description then it's armor...robes, clothes, gloves, etc. don't say anything so they're not considered armor

I just wish the masks didn't count as armor.

Ditto, at least the ones that boost magic skills shouldn't be armor.

There are gloves you can find and buy that are not armor.