No matter which server you choose, you're bound to find folks playing the "obvious" choices like a barbarian guardian -or- wood elf ranger -or- dark-elf assassin but if that's what you want to roll, don't let popularity stop you!
In this game the class/race options are so wide open that nothing really dominates - that is to say no one particular combo pwns everything else and because of that, no single class/race combo is "the only way" or even "the best way" to play that class. No racial bonus will ever couple with a specific class to yield a game-making or game-breaking character.
In addition, with the variety of several years worth of clothing and armor options available (and also the new appearance tab) you are bound to find a look that is unique if you want to take the time and/or spend the money to do so.
As an aside to your point, with the advent of the appearance tab, I have taken to "dressing" my 78 warden in a wide variety of styles in an effort to find a look that suits her while not looking "T8 leather armor-ish". Not that there's anything wrong with the look of T8 armor, I just want something that stands out and makes me think it's a cool looking toon!
For a while I tried a variety of robes and while those are interesting (especially since they are being worn by a wis caster) they were not quite what I wanted. I have settled for the moment on a full set of the new Rilisian faction based armor (she is also a lvl 79 tailor) and this has given the toon a unique look while maintaining all the stats I need in place on a main tank group healer.
The big thing to remember is that unlike FXII or WoW, no matter what combo you choose you're never going to drive yourself into a blind corner. Truly, no class is unwanted in any aspect of the game - early, mid or end. Even high-end end-game raiding sees a use for each and every class.