The Science Behind the Dress The New York Times Free People Gingham Dresses for Women Lyst Free People Plaid Maxi Top Tunic Dress Size L Blue Grey Grunge Boho Button Down 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 This Dress is Blue and Black, Right? What Colors do You See?