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 Off the Shouder Short Champagne Prom Dress with Beads PromGirl The science behind the controversial blue black, gold white dress Dress Meme Used in Salvation Army Anti Violence Campaign How "The Dress" Became an Illusion Unlike Any Other Scientific American White and Gold or Blue and Black Dress Explained & Busted YouTube