I simply wanted to suggest a few things learned in roleplay (Shadows of the Dragon Queen.)

 

Character Creation/Roleplay: There are TWO backgrounds which work for one character: 1) Noble, 2) Initiate of High Sorcery

 

The PC mage is the son of a Solamnic Knight, raised in that family to money, social status, and power.  Much is expected of him, BUT...

the PC does NOT meet the physical characteristics to become a Solamnic Knight.  Instead, he is born highly intelligent, with the gift of magic that runs in his MOTHER'S blood.  To the disappointment of his father, the boy becomes his maternal grandfather's apprentice in the Art.  His father INSISTS on him at least wearing the White Robes of Solinari.  

 

This is the blending of two of the backgrounds.  I just thought you should know.  It's a logical choice, because a son of a noble family of privilege would either become a knight, or if he's physically weak, but highly intelligent, he would naturally gravitate to either wizardry or the clergy, and his father would naturally hire the best tutors in the kingdom to educate his son.  For example, in the Book "Soulforge" the Red Robe wizard Artimodes, who sponsored young Raistlin in a magic school, was born to power and privilege in Kalaman--he was the son of a merchant family, and understood social power, growing up.  Even as an adult and a wizard, his mages robes were finely tailored, of the finest silk, with gold and silver thread in the fabric, as well as arcane magic woven into it.  (This would've been called samite, silk cloth with gold and silver threads.)   

 

For a mage with the noble background, there should be a choice of Mages Robes, Fine, Silk.  Common Robes would be homespun, of wool, or linen.  The nobility have their clothing made by a professional seamstress.  

 

A noble would also have footwear of the highest quality, made of fox, with a chinchilla lining.  He'd also almost certainly have 5 pair of braies, or medieval underwear, and a change or two of a fine tunic under the robes.  None of this comes cheap, and would be part of his noble house providing it for him.  

 

The noble mage would also be treated much like Gandalf, able to obtain a meeting with a local elf lord, who likely knows the mage himself, or at least, his family.  "I can see you know nothing of wizards, Bard.  They are like a storm, warning of disaster when there's none."  The whole time, all three noblemen are drinking fine wine while discussing an upcoming war.

 

To this, I suggest the Variant: Noble Mage background.  He would be used to living a Wealthy lifestyle, and begin with more gold than the common-born mage, like Raistlin.  Gandalf or Artimodes would stay at the finest inns, in their best rooms, and expect nothing less than their finest fare at meals.  For the best service, they would leave a handsome tip, and their family seal ring is sufficient to cover the cost of their stay, knowing full well their family would pay any bill on demand--although perhaps, the father would ask his son, "Merlin, did you by any chance stay at the Inn of the Last Home on your last trip to Wayreth?  Oh, very well...I'll tell Reeves to send payment...93 gold pieces, it says."  This service would be guaranteed in civilized lands and cities, such as Solamnia; it would NOT necessarily be guaranteed in Tamon Busak, their rivals with whom they are at war, but then again, it might--but the noble wizard would be informed he was now a "guest" of the Dragon Armies, and unable to leave, unless of course his party of adventuring friends came to rescue him!

There are a few other items I wished to mention:

Arcane Focus, Staff: This object is obviously crafted to be a Masterwork item, not just a stick of wood.  The arcane focus is lovingly carved from a sapling, Oak, Ash, Vallenwood, or other traditional tree.  Polished, and have gold and silver filigree inlay, with an obviously enchanted crystal crowning the staff, a crystal ball of sapphire, amethyst, ruby, or star sapphire.  If the Light Cantrip is cast on the staff, this crystal lights up!  The crystal also glows when the mage is casting a spell.

Most importantly, this staff serves as a +1 Magic Weapon in the very rare case the mage is attacked and must engage in melee combat.  As I'm sure you know, most mages hang back with the archers, and cast their spells from a distance to assist the fighters.  Some rather nasty DM's will consistently have the NPCs strike the mage FIRST, which means the poor mage must not only have Mage Armor or a Shield ready, but the staff also serves as a +1 to AC.  (25 years ago, my DM noticed my mage was getting more damage than anyone else in our party, so he gifted my wizard with Runes woven into the robes, as well as +2 Bracers of Defense.)   Allowing the 1st Level or 2nd Level Mage to deflect arrows coming at him like Gandalf did in Return of the King is more than reasonable.  Legolas would've skewered poor Gandalf through his white robes and sent him back to the afterlife otherwise!