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 I See White and Gold, but the Dress Taught Me How We Shape Our Own Reality by Shaant A Culturated Medium Like a Royal: Six Royal Blue Prom Dresses Fit for a Queen A 2015 viral debate over a dress's colors with some seeing blue and black, while others saw white and gold sparked widespread discussion and scientific inquiry. The phenomenon, which began This Dress is Blue and Black, Right? What Colors do You See? Gold Beaded Prom Dress with Royal Blue Tulle Skirt loveangeldress