I'm running a "paladin" character that is fully decked out in heavy armor, but uses no smithing (other than to get to "fine" status). Therefore, I'm utilizing whatever gear I find in my travels. I've been using dwarven armor for a while now, and the armors, in addition to wearing a crimson cloak (thanks to the Cloaks of Skyrim mod), I look like a damn golden knight! I even wield a dwarven mace and shield. Maybe I just like the broad pauldrons, but I think some of the other heavy armors (steel plate) could take a cue from the design.

The one part I don't care for still would be the helment. I only wear it in dungeons for the extra armor bonus.

Anyone else ever been converted to liking something in the game after having to use it for a while?

For the helmet you may want to try the auto-unequip helmet mod which makes helmets only equip in combat
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/13298

Oh what, you don't like the helmet? The Dwarven helmet is my favorite part! I love the part that runs across the top of the helm and how the mask is formed like a Dwemer statue. I'm pretty much in love with anything Dwemer, so I might be biased.

Well, in the DLC Dragonborn...

Thanks for the suggestion. I've got More Hotkeys, Please, so I don't mind manually equipping the helmet.