When I was shopping last week in Monroe, Mich., I saw a variety of graphic Ts with Halloween themes.


I understand why they are popular given how people like funny T-shirts these days.

But holiday T-shirts, particularly Halloween ones, are not incredibly practical. Therefore, I don?t recommend them as a frugal choice unless you plan to consider them an alternative to a store-bought costume. And even for that use, I have a better idea.

Here is an example of what I?m talking about ? I saw these shirts two years ago at Target in Monroe, Mich. I admit: I was highly amused at the boy?s shirt in particular. It says ?surrender your candy!?

The problem is: I?m hestitant to surrender money for themed clothing that has a short shelf life.

Holiday shirts tend to be cost about the same as any other special design, sports or character clothes you might find in the stores. So it might seem to be a reasonable purchase.

But you will get only two or three wears out of holiday shirts (if you are lucky) during the appropriate time of year. And then what?

Do you expect your son to wear that skull shirt during December? But when next October comes around, he?ll be in a bigger size.

Unless you have younger children at home whom you can hand down that holiday outfit to, you now have purchased a shirt that you have to put in a Mom 2 Mom Sale or donation box after just two or three wearings. That?s not frugal.

Even the adults who might enjoy shirts like this will find there are only a few days in when a holiday shirt will be worn. During the other 50 weeks of the year, that shirt is taking up space in a dresser.

I realize some parents and grandparents prefer to buy Halloween play clothes in lieu of Halloween costumes. And that?s worth considering, if a holiday tee is replacing a more expensive costume purchase.

But here?s my much better idea:

Spend the clothing money on solid-color tees, sweaters, blouses, sweatshirts and sweatpants in a variety of colors. You can often find the solid color tees and sweatshirts at a less expensive price in comparison to licensed character or graphic designs.

Then dress up your outfits during the season with accessories that have holiday or sports team themes such as these barrettes and hair bands that I saw at Target in 2009 (yes, I bought that hair bow for myself), men?s ties, necklaces, character pins, party beads, handbags or totes, slogan buttons, fashion scarves, baseball hats, and bracelets.

Why is it a frugal option to spend money on trendy accessories instead of clothing?

First, solid color clothing can be worn year round, for a variety of occasions. Check out this list of ideas I brainstormed about what you can do with a red shirt or an orange shirt.

Second, those accessory pieces can make their appearance on many outfits without the hassle of waiting for laundry to be done. They usually take up less storage space than a collection of shirts or sweatshirts. And when you get those pieces out of the storage box, there is little need to worry about whether the hairband or tie still fits.

I apply the same concept to my sports team shirts, by the way. They are all team or sport designs that I can wear for years, not player jerseys or driver numbers.