Users Criticize 'Today' Host Savannah Guthrie's Silver Jacket and Leather Pants at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

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.

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]."

"Sorry, I thought Savannah was wearing one of those shiny foil blankets they wrap around marathon runners [post-race]," wrote another.

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 pointed. One user simply asked, "Who dresses SG? 🤦‍♀️ come on."

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!"

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.

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.

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.

This year, Al Roker, the "Today" show's weather anchor, enjoyed the honor of traveling on the float, receiving cheers from the crowd.

Kotb, co-hosting the parade for the last time following her September 26 announcement that she was leaving the "Today" show, provided a stark fashion contrast to Guthrie's metallic ensemble. The 60-year-old looked sophisticated in an all-white outfit, including a long coat, beanie, and gloves.

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.

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).

Following Kotb's upcoming departure on Friday, January 10, 2025, Guthrie and Melvin will host the segments for the 7 and 8 a.m. hours, starting Monday, January 13, 2025.

Although Melvin will be stepping into new territory, this is not his first rodeo with "Today," as he has an extensive history with NBC News. The announcement comes nearly two months after Kotb first revealed she would be leaving the morning show.

In addition to their Instagram post, the "Today" crew, including Guthrie, Kotb, Melvin, Carson Daly, Jenna Bush Hager, and Sheinelle Jones, discussed the news during a segment on the show, which was posted on YouTube. Fellow anchor Al Roker joined the ensemble a little later via a video call.

After Kotb confirmed her departure date, she shared that there will be a party hosted in her honor. Following this, Guthrie reiterated how dearly missed Kotb will be, noting how she is "irreplaceable" before veering the conversation toward Melvin's new role.

As she announced the news, Guthrie showered Melvin with compliments, dubbing him "talented, wonderful, hard-working, most worthy of this."

Following a hearty applause from the other anchors and a hug exchanged between Melvin and Guthrie, she mentioned, "And let me just say that the larger staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause. This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations."

"I am beyond excited and grateful, and I just, you know — I had a lot of conversations yesterday with a lot of people who mean a lot to me, and I just want to obviously thank NBC and the folks here who deemed me worthy. But, you know I got to start by thanking the man upstairs," responded Melvin.

He went on to reiterate his gratitude at how blessed he has been throughout his life, and share that he spoke to his mom and dad about the news the previous day. "They're still young enough and healthy enough to be able to see this and enjoy the fruits of their labor," disclosed Melvin.

The recently promoted broadcaster then divulged some details about his familial background and marveled at how far he and his family have come.

"My mother's mother was a [sic] elementary school custodian, and my father's mother had to take care of five kids. So she, you know, ran numbers and ran liquor for a long time, ended up in prison, and my dad was born in prison, that didn't define him. He overcame addictions in his life," disclosed Melvin.

He also mentioned that his mom had to work two jobs to provide for their family and shone a spotlight on his wife of 13 years, Lindsay Czarniak, for her devotion to him and their relationship. Additionally, Melvin expressed his love and pride for his kids, who he said were tuned in to the show that morning.

Expressing his gratitude to the entire "Today" team, Melvin boasted, "We have the best team in television news, and I'm honored to be a part of that."

Kotb chimed in, "Craig, you are made for this job [...] You are that kind of good. You have all the things this job needs."

Roker also made an appearance onscreen to pass along his congratulatory message to Craig Melvin and reminisce over their shared "Today" memories. "I am so proud and so happy for you right now because you are so worthy of this," commended Al Roker.

Upon hearing the news, many netizens took to social media platforms to express their delight. "Great choice!" exclaimed a fan. Agreeing with the sentiment, another praised, "Really like his honesty! Good choice. Congratulations Craig Melvin! All the best to you."

"Best choice ever! We love Craig!!!! Hoda will be missed. New journeys for all," echoed a fellow admirer, while someone else swooned, "Well deserved! He was my pick when Hoda announced her departure." Another fan added, "No surprise, about time. Well deserved, been watching him since he was on NBC 4 here in DC."

Although there was a lot of praise, some people sat on the fence. "I like Craig, but his voice drives me crazy," wrote a Facebooker. Another penned, "Seems very nice and very knowledgeable, but his gravely voice is strained? [sic]"

On the other hand, some netizens were not pleased by the news at all, with one user opining, "He always seems so arrogant."

"I was hoping that he wouldn't be the replacement selection. His voice is annoying and his mumbling is hard to understand. Most others seem pleased about this. I'm sorry to see Hoda go😰," noted an observer.

A vehement netizen expressed, "He needs to speak louder!!!!!!!!...most times I have to turn the TV louder [sic], and then when the others speak, it's way too loud." "Ugh. He is very snarky a lot of the time. Not a great choice unless he learns how to not be a jerk sometimes," stated another.

Criticism continued with comments such as, "His voice is irritating. Sorry!" and "Terrible choice. Will be trying out GMA cause Craig has a nasty attitude."

As Guthrie and Melvin prepare to step into a new chapter together on "Today," viewers are already weighing in on their potential dynamic. Only time will reveal how this pairing resonates with the audience and shapes the show's future.