Science explains how time spent outdoors colors your view of #thedress Los Angeles Times 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 ELI5:Why does this dress appear white gold to some people and black blue to others? : r explainlikeimfive Black Dress with a Touch of Gold for a Stylish Evening Event