What do I wear to a Tuxedo-optional wedding?

Its on a sat night, the invitation says Tuxedo-optional. I get that that is pretty dressy, but should I wear a black dress? Can it be sleeveless? What are the etiquette rules?

Re: What do I wear to a Tuxedo-optional wedding?

I'm going to a 'black tie preferred' wedding this weekend. I think the rules have changed quite a bit for this. My stepmother is sticking to the traditional long black gown. I, on the other hand an wearing a pink strapless knee-length dress and dressing it up with jewelry. It came with a rhinestone brooch that dresses it up as well (got it a the Gap since I couldn't afford the typical evening dresses).

Re: What do I wear to a Tuxedo-optional wedding?

I generally consider black tie weddngs to mean a long dress for women, but it doesn't necessarily have to be black.
I also think a shorter dress can be worn, so long as it's a very formal dress or it is dressed up with jewelry.
I'm going to a black tie wedding this weekend and wearing a lavender/lilac Vera Wang gown.

Re: What do I wear to a Tuxedo-optional wedding?

It doesn't have to be black and it can certainly be sleeveless. As long as it's classy then you should be fine. You can always dress it up with jewelry and doing your hair up nice!