First things first, I don't really expect Bethesda to ever do this, but I thought it would be nice to discuss it and get feedback based on the hypothetical situation where Bethesda might go along with it.

Down to business. I feel TES armour systems have been somewhat lacking, not on a design front (some Skyrim armours look stunning), but at the fundamental level of choice and customisation. I think having a skin of armour OR clothes is very restrictive, and certainly limits what style we as player can put into our characters. So I've had this idea floating around my mind: layers.

The basic premise is that we have three layers:

-Undercoat/armour: This is the base layer which consists of mail or material (such as Leather) padding. This would be classified as Light Armour

-Clothing: This sits on top of the undercoat, covering it wholly or partially. It is as it's description indicates, it's unarmoured clothing to add style.

-Plate armour: This would be the top layer, consisting of heavy plates to provide extra protection (and slow you down), mostly suitable for Knights, Paladins, that kind of thing. This would be classified as Heavy Armour.

The choice is up to the player as to how many layers he/she wants to use. If you're a nimble thief, you may want just clothes and forgo any armour at all. A Woodsman or Assassin may find the need for an undercoat of mail covered by clothing (as an assassin I may also have some plated bracers). Hardened warriors may want Heavy plates over their clothes, but save some weight by not wearing an undershirt. Some may want the protection of both an undershirt and plates, but forgo clothing to get that traditional Knight look complete with chain coif and plate helmet.

I think all materials should be available as undershirts/mail and plates. I don't like this rigid system where material defines style. Sure some materials are naturally heavier than others, but it doesn't mean they can't be worked differently to achieve Light/Heavy armour. Imagine using Ebony mail under a dark shirt for your assassin? Or some Elven mail with Elven plates for your High Elf warrior? The possibilities become huge, especially if we go back to separated pouldrons and greaves.

Anyway, that's a quick overview of what I'd like to see (heck, if I get better at modding I may even try to develop a proof of concept). All feedback welcome.

[EDIT] Now added to the "Beyond Skyrim" thread. Apologies for noticing it earlier.