A striking ensemble at the Turkey Day Parade has put a well-known host in the spotlight for reasons beyond the holiday celebrations.
Savannah Guthrie, anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, faced widespread online criticism for her outfit choices during the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Known for her live coverage of the event since 2012, Guthrie’s fashion stood out — but not in a way that resonated with all viewers.
A fan comment on Savannah Guthrie, dated November 28, 2024 | Source: X/TinaCipollari11
During rehearsals, the 52-year-old was dressed in an all-black ensemble, including a padded jacket, leather pants, gloves, and a Burberry bucket hat to shield her from the rain.
For the parade, she opted for a more striking look, swapping the black jacket for a silver reversible shearling leather coat and adding a headband while keeping her leather pants and gloves.
While Guthrie appeared to enjoy the parade — photos showed her smiling through the confetti show — social media erupted with reactions, many of them critical about her bold fashion choices.
Comments poured in on X (formerly Twitter), where users didn’t hold back their opinions. One person wrote, “Savannah never disappoints. Don’t know what’s worse, her hat today or the bows during the Olympics. She needs a new assistant that dresses her.”
“What is Savannah Guthrie wearing? Leather, silver and sparkles? Not together…..” another user questioned. A more blunt comment stated, “Savannah Guthrie is and always has been so cringe.”
Another critique read, “It’s probably one of the ugliest coats I have ever seen…” One user joked, “Savannah Guthrie looks like she’s dressed as a witch for the parade. So that’s a good start.”
“[Savannah Guthrie] is dressed like she’s on her way to a [Hannah Montana] concert,” quipped another user. “[Someone] needs to tell @SavannahGuthrie not to wear leather pants. They look horrible on her. @hodakotb love Hoda!!!” another netizen declared.
The backlash continued on Facebook, with similar sentiments being shared. One user opined, “She looks so tacky.” Another scathing remark read, “She looked sloppy, what’s with the head band…time to grow up [sic].”
A fan comment on Savannah Guthrie, dated November 29, 2024 | Source: Facebook/NYPost
A disgruntled user went as far as saying, “That’s a hideous jacket!!” Another comment criticized, “Her clothing is usually undesirable. She needs a stylist or a new one.”
On Instagram, reactions were slightly less harsh but still shared the sentiments. One user simply asked, “Who dresses SG? 🤦♀️ come on.”
Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb pictured on November 28, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
Another comment diverted attention to her co-anchor, saying, “Hoda’s last parade 😢.” One viewer thought the senior anchorperson looked much better in her black attire as opposed to her silver jacket. “Savannah should have worn this outfit not the one she had on.”
Amid the criticism, there were some who praised Guthrie’s bold choice, saying, “Savannah Guthrie’s silver and mint jacket is pure perfection.” Meanwhile, another commenter admitted, “I couldn’t take my eyes off of that silver jacket!”
Cynthia Erivo, Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb pictured on November 28, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
Savannah Guthrie’s controversial outfit choices weren’t the only attraction at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The event itself showcased its signature grandeur, drawing crowds with its vibrant displays and star-studded performances. However, Guthrie’s appearance alongside co-host Hoda Kotb, both in strikingly different outfits, kept social media buzzing long after the floats rolled by.
Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb pictured on November 28, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
This year’s parade was a spectacle, with more than 5,000 volunteers bringing 17 featured character balloons, 22 creative floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, more than 700 clowns, 11 marching bands, and 10 performance groups to life.
The streets of New York City were alive with excitement, enhanced by live music from stars like Jennifer Hudson, Billy Porter, Kylie Minogue, T-Pain, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, and Idina Menzel, among many others.
Jimmy Fallon pictured on November 28, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
One float that captured attention was the innovative “Go Bowling” float, featuring a 16-foot-tall animatronic robot. Matthew Hoffer, a special effects technician at Macy’s, shared insight into its creation:
“We started with sketches and 3D printed models, testing every movement on a small scale before we brought it to life in full size. I want people to see this float and think, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this in the parade before.'”
The iconic Tom Turkey float once again led the parade, continuing its tradition as the first float to grace the route. Debuting in 1973, it remains a favorite with its iconic animatronic turkey and vibrant tail feathers.
Her history with the event is also notable. Last year, Kotb rode on the Tom Turkey float for the first time and described the experience as awe-inspiring. “It was a perspective I’d never seen. I’m totally into it, you can feel it. And I’ve never sort of seen this city from that perspective, so it was pretty amazing.”
As Kotb bids farewell to the “Today” show after years of memorable moments — including her final Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance—netizens are now weighing in with their opinions on the beloved talk show host’s replacement.
Fan comment about Hoda Kotb’s co-anchor replacement, posted on November 14, 2024 | Source: Facebook/Today Show
On November 14, the “Today” show announced the broadcaster who is taking over beloved talk show host Kotb’s position as co-anchor. While many social media users are thrilled with the replacement, some are displeased and have voiced concerns and criticism.
Via a post shared on Instagram, the show revealed that NBC broadcast journalist Craig Melvin will be joining Guthrie as the new “Today” co-anchor. He will start this position next year (2025).