Optical illusion: Dress colour debate goes global BBC News 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 Black Draped Knot Long Sleeve Maxi Dress Selene Dress