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 ELI5:Why does this dress appear white gold to some people and black blue to others? : r explainlikeimfive This dress went viral over 10 years ago because everyone was seeing different colors! I see black and blue, others see gold & white, it's the strangest thing! what colors do ELI5:Why does this dress appear white gold to some people and black blue to others? : r explainlikeimfive Rose Gold Prom Dresses The White and Gold (No, Blue and Black!) Dress That Melted the Internet The New York Times