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 TheDress one year on eight things we learned from the viral phenomenon Social media The Guardian ZAPAKASA Women Black and Blue Satin Long Formal Dress with 3D Flowers One Shoulder Mermaid Prom Dress with Ruffles Science explains how time spent outdoors colors your view of #thedress Los Angeles Times