The Science Behind the Black and Blue (or White and Gold) Dress 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 Strapless Corset Floral Ruffle Dress Gold Luxe Corset Dresses and Luxe Party Dresses White Gold Dress Illusion Black Blue Yellow White Dress Color Illusion Optical Illusion White And Gold Dress Vs Black And Blue Dressgate: If You Saw