Don't know if my mage should just use robes with enchanted light armor gloves and boots AND with a summoned pet.

OR....

Make my own light/heavy armor and enchant it. This route will be much cooler (me's thinks) BUT...sounds like its a lot of hard work. (2 crafts).

I want to play the game. NOT work in the game. However! I do want to be one bad ass mofo. And most importantly have fun in combat.

Decisions decisions!

If you're an alteration expert, go for robes. If anything else fails, go for the other option.

Two crafts? You could just use the armor you find lying around, no need to smith it unless you want to improve it. Enchanting is what matters...

In the beginning, robes will be more efficient. But in the later levels, the enchants you can make with a high enough skill can make you unstoppable, especially as a mage. I'm sure 100% Destruction fortification - meaning no magicka cost - would be useful to you.

So should I stick with robes that I find "in-game" (since they are all pretty much already enchanted). And wear light armor boots and gloves. Also wear a ring. And enchant these 3 items?