You create your main character, and then customize your bridge crew as you deem fit (other than to change their species). Their hair, eyes, face, build and height are entirely up to your digression. As is clothing, at least until you decide to put any armour type on to your character.
Thus comes the question; what is the point of it all if you're never going to actually see it? If your attire is forever covered up with armour, what's the point of purchasing a bunch of costume sets that neither you, nor anyone else is likely to see?
Right click on the armor when it is equipped and select disable visuals. Then you wont see the armor covering your outfits and so will everyone else see your outfit as you see it. This works for kits and also for ship parts that cause other visuals if you dont want them showing.
Thus comes the question; what is the point of it all if you're never going to actually see it? If your attire is forever covered up with armour, what's the point of purchasing a bunch of costume sets that neither you, nor anyone else is likely to see?