
from my experience up through level 23 the best gear is generally listed as "unique" the level 5 or 10 gear is your "unique robe/armour" and at level 15 you can start working towards dungeon drops. The level 15 dungeon dropped gear is good to at least level 20. At level 20 you can switch to what I will call "temp" gear, or crafted/purchased till you can get level 20 dungeon drop gear.
It is sad, but the best gear is generally going to be dropped from dungeons, and that means everyone will look alike. Unless they start implementing some crafting bonuses that make wearing crafted gear =/> dungeon gear.
And unless you are incredibly unlucky about 10 runs through a given levels dungeon(s) should get you all the gear you need.
Edit: a note about Asyria's mention of Dyeing. Dungeon gear with green around it cannot be dyed. While dungeon gear with a pinkish color to it can be.
It is sad, but the best gear is generally going to be dropped from dungeons, and that means everyone will look alike. Unless they start implementing some crafting bonuses that make wearing crafted gear =/> dungeon gear.
And unless you are incredibly unlucky about 10 runs through a given levels dungeon(s) should get you all the gear you need.
Edit: a note about Asyria's mention of Dyeing. Dungeon gear with green around it cannot be dyed. While dungeon gear with a pinkish color to it can be.