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 Color Of 'The Dress' Debate: White & Gold Or Blue & Black Twitter Decides Hollywood Life Thedress: 'It's been quite stressful having to deal with it we had a falling out' Internet The Guardian