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 Very original vintage 60s strapless dress, in yellow satin striped with diagonal Black velvet bands, size 36 Original Optical Illusion Yellow White And Gold And Black And Blue Dress Is This Dress Blue Gold Blue And Black Yellow And White Dress Black And Blue, Or White And Gold? 'The Royal Gold Long Sleeve Round Neck Sheath Short Homecoming Dresses with Hoprom Here's why people saw the dress differently.