The actual dress was black and blue. The confusion came from how lighting and color perception tricked people's brains, making some see it as white and gold. It became a viral example 1920s White Beaded Sequin Stella Flapper Dress Optical illusion renews blue and black dress debate nine years on Express.co.uk ELI5:Why does this dress appear white gold to some people and black blue to others? : r explainlikeimfive I See White and Gold, but the Dress Taught Me How We Shape Our Own Reality by Shaant A Culturated Medium