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 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 of how human vision can interpret colors differently under certain Wardrobe Breakdown: Shakira Black Studded Mini Dress On Jimmy Fallon Talking With Tami How Does Your State Sales Tax See That Blue and Black (or White and Gold) Dress?