Suits in a business casual environment (new wardrobe!)

[java1]

Hello Everyone! I only found this forum a few days ago and I am already putting to good use all the knowledge I've found here. This is truly a great resource! So, I am transitioning careers right now and my previous one (academic scientist- where the amount of fashion-don'ts that happen really deserves its own thread) didn't require ANY sort of nice dress. I'll be starting out in law in a few months. The firm says business casual, but suits will be worn with clients, court, etc. I own essentially nothing. Before this turns into another "design my wardrobe" thread, my real question is this- as its becoming apparent that in some ways buying a few suits and basic shirts and mixing things up with ties would actually be EASIER and less expensive (well, maybe) than building a "nice" business casual wardrobe, is it considered improper stay dressy in a business casual environment? I found this thread very helpful in planning out my purchases: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...usiness+casual I particularly liked the idea of using your navy suit jacket as a coat to go with trousers to enhance the perceived size of your wardrobe. Do you have any other tips like this? I'm a big fan of the Charles Tyrwhitt shirts. Do the patterns they offer stand out enough to be worn sans jacket and tie? (I see they are now offering bolder "business casual shirts" for this very reason.) It is always humbling but exciting to realize that you know so little about an area where others know so much! Thanks in advance!