This is such an interesting thread!

I've been at YLF for about three years and I can say I do love my closet! But it took a long time, a lot of shopping, and a whole lot of mistakes to get here.

One of the things that really helps me is having a "uniform" for work. I have pencil skirts, blazers, and high heeled pumps in pretty much every color under the sun, and I wear some variation on that theme (sometimes with pants or a dress instead of a skirt) to work pretty much every day. I feel like I have plenty of variety, but the formula is always the same and that makes it really easy.

One thing I have done since starting with YLF is to look at the items that I love but don't wear enough (not because of lifestyle, but more because of lack of options), and try to add an item that will allow me to wear them more.

In my case I have added:
- a draped black tee with a sheer back, works with all my jeans, blazers, a kimono (that I needed and wanted to wear), a pencil skirt, a maxi skirt. It was expensive for a tee, but I love it and it is so versatile and flattering. It has provided glue.
- a crayon pink blazer, looks awesome with jeans, black, white, grey. It brings to life at least two tops that I loved but needed a topper for in spring and autumn.
- a cream structured tee. A simple classic tunic tee that has lifted several basic pieces because of its modern shape and style.

With these three additions my basics and "special" items have had a new lease of life.

You may have a couple of simple additions that would provide the glue to allow you to wear some of your pieces that are not working.

Tierra, awesome thread and you have received some great advice. I echo everything the other Fabbers have said.

I am now in a place where I am very happy with my whole wardrobe. I have a couple of things that I will probably move on soon but I have given myself permission to hang on to a few things and allow myself time to process if they need to go:(.

One of the things I have found most helpful is recognizing what I like and what makes me feel like me:). You seem to have worked that out already. It's easy to be influenced by all the wonderful clothing and styles and colours that are around but i had to put imaginary blinkers on:). I browse labels that make styles that are me and I read blogs of woman who share a similar aesthetic.

I stick to a pretty similar silhouette and I have a colour palette of black, grey and white. I find this liberating and getting dressed for any occasion is easy peasy (most days).

From me, it's generally speaking ditto what MsMary said(but not all the colors under the sun, only a few:-)). Oh, and welcome to YLF!:-)

@Kiwigal: YES, yes yes! I need more glue. Since, like I mentioned, I have lots of shoes, and lots of bottoms as well, I think a few ideal tops would realy help me be able to pull things together. I really struggle with tops though...especially with those for warmer weather. Since I am an apple, things often do not look right around my midsection. One thing I have learned from here is to size up on bottoms to avoid any chance of muffin top (something I am VERY prone to). So that situation is getting better.
I just need to do the work to try to find the right tops.

@ Deborah: I love, love, love your style. I also am much happier working mostly with a limited palette of neutrals (another thing I've figured out from YLF). I've gotten pretty good at using those blinkers to look past things that just arent me...although that is a work in progress!