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 The Science Behind the Dress The New York Times In February 2015, a photo of a striped dress posted online unexpectedly turned into a worldwide argument. Some viewers swore it was blue and black, while others were convinced it was white Umgee Stripe Midi Dress with Lace Trim LATTE L Cher Beach Dress Navy Gold M L