The Dress Strikes Back: A New Viral Optical Illusion Emerges Observer Formal Dress: 27583. Short, Illusion Neckline, Straight Alyce Paris ALYCE Paris Purple Bridesmaid Dresses Birdy Grey ELI5:Why does this dress appear white gold to some people and black blue to others? : r explainlikeimfive 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 Eggplant Bridesmaid Dresses Rich, Bold, Elegant Purple Dress Styles