This study examined the effects of avatar visual stereotypes and cognitive load on interpersonal attraction in virtual interactions. Avatars dressed in black were perceived as less attractive relative to identical avatars in white. The assumption that cognitively busy perceivers develop more stereotypical perceptions was rejected. Instead, cognitively non-busy participants developed more stereotypical impressions. Remarkably, cognitive load reversed avatar perceptions. Cognitively busy participants rated avatars in black as more attractive but avatars in white as less attractive. Perceived trust mediated the link between avatar appearance and task attraction. In addition, cognitive load moderated the strength of the indirect relationship between avatar appearance and task attraction through trust. The findings have important implications for virtual perceptions and misperceptions.