Smartie Pants Costume
A clever, punny, and incredibly easy last-minute DIY costume.
The Smartie Pants costume is a classic, pun-based outfit that is perfect for school events, work parties, or last-minute Halloween invites. It plays on the literal meaning of the phrase by attaching rolls of Smarties candy to your trousers. The look is completed with classic 'nerd' accessories like thick-rimmed glasses and suspenders.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $10–30
Try it on
See yourself as Smartie Pants
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What you need for a Smartie Pants costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Smartie Pants costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Pants
A pair of plain pants, jeans, or khakis that you do not mind attaching items to.
DIY: Use an old pair of jeans or comfortable sweatpants from your closet.
Smarties Candy
Several rolls of classic pastel-colored Smarties candy.
Double-sided fabric tape
Strong adhesive tape to secure the candy rolls to the fabric without damaging it.
DIY: Use safety pins looped through the twisted ends of the candy wrappers.
Glasses
Thick, black-rimmed nerd glasses.
DIY: Pop the lenses out of an old pair of sunglasses and wrap white tape around the bridge.
Suspenders
A pair of clip-on suspenders to lean into the studious aesthetic.
Collared shirt
A button-down shirt or polo, neatly tucked in.
DIY: Use any neat, collared shirt you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Smartie Pants costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on your chosen pants, collared shirt, and suspenders, tucking the shirt in neatly.
- 2
Apply strong double-sided fabric tape or glue dots to one side of each Smarties candy roll wrapper.
- 3
Press the candy rolls firmly onto the front and sides of your pants, spacing them out evenly.
- 4
Secure the twisted ends of the candy wrappers with extra tape to prevent them from opening or falling off as you walk.
- 5
Put on the black-rimmed glasses.
- 6
Carry a book, notebook, or calculator to complete the intellectual look.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair neatly with a sharp side part or slicked back. Keep makeup minimal and clean, perhaps adding a few faux freckles across the bridge of the nose.
Smartie Pants for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person goes as 'Smartie Pants' and the other goes as 'Dum Dum' by taping Dum Dums lollipops to their shirt.
- group
- A group can dress as different candy puns, such as 'Life Savers' wearing life vests or 'Nerds' wearing the classic candy boxes.
- kids
- Perfect for school dress-up days using comfortable sweatpants and washable fabric glue to attach the candy.
- Plus size
- Works perfectly with any comfortable, well-fitting pants, khakis, or leggings.
- pet
- Attach a few candy rolls to a dog sweater or harness using pet-safe methods.
Tips
- Use double-sided fabric tape instead of hot glue to avoid permanently damaging your pants.
- Tape the twist-ends of the candy wrappers closed so they do not unravel and spill candy while you walk.
- Bring a few extra rolls of Smarties and a strip of tape in your bag for quick repairs during the day.
Smartie Pants costume FAQ
- How do you attach the Smarties to the pants?
- Use strong double-sided fabric tape, glue dots, or safety pins slipped through the twisted ends of the wrappers to avoid damaging your clothes.
- What kind of pants work best for this costume?
- Plain khakis, jeans, or solid-colored trousers work best because they provide a neutral background that makes the colorful candy rolls pop.
- Is this costume appropriate for school or work?
- Yes, it is highly family-friendly, comfortable, and clever, making it a popular choice for teachers, students, and office environments.
Did you know? The term 'smarty pants' has been used since the mid-20th century to describe a sarcastic or self-assertive know-it-all.