I don't often create Sims from scratch. I did when starting off my main save; a brother and a sister. But that save is so old, most of my Sims have been born in-game with mostly just their outfits and hairstyles edited. My main save is free of supernaturals, as well.
I like to edit NPC Sims/randomly generated townies too, but even then I try to keep it to just the hairstyle and clothing.
If I ever need a Sim that a randomly renerated one isn't catching my interest for, I'll go on the gallery and try to find Sims with backstories and/or history. I've even come here to the forums for requests before. It's a lot of fun.
In any case, I don't make or play Sims based off of myself or anyone I know. Everyone is a completely originally made character simply living their lives based off of the story I try to give them.
I do the same as you as far as clothing is concerned; I tend to stick to similar items in different categories, like they're using the same pants to go with a different top or they have a favorite piece of jewelry that they like to wear all the time. That kind of stuff. It makes them feel a little more personable to me.