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 Optical illusion renews blue and black dress debate nine years on Express.co.uk You Can Now Buy 'The Dress' In Either Blue And Black Or White And Gold Color scientists explain the dress that went viral RIT The Dress Debate Black and Blue or White and Gold British Vogue British Vogue