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 What color is the dress? Why do some people see blue and black and some people see gold and white when looking at a single image of a dress? : r askscience GL3178 Elizabeth K Purple Nude XL 23250 Lilac Tie Back Embellished Prom Dress Jovani Lilac Purple Prom Dress with Sparkling Floral Print Lilac 2