OK Thistle, I am dying to know what you are thinking now.
I do think one of the best ideas is that if you don't think #1 feels good, you tuck that "look" away in your shopping list as an aspirational top or topper, and one day you may find the right combination.
One thing YLF and "10" and so on have helped me with is recognizing that if something is almost right I just need to note what I like about it--color, trims, fit--and don't fret about it. Otherwise I used to buy things in flattering colors that didn't quite fit, or fits I loved but colors or prints that became orphans, or something that just didn't feel great to slide on and so I didn't wear it. You have been honing your instincts and you are good at that.