] What happened? I have two vague speculations. The first is that the French Revolution warned aristocrats world wide that it might not be a good idea to parade your wealth overmuch. The second is that it was the restraining influence of Beau Brummell, who considered that a gentleman should not attract attention by his clothing.

] Any other thoughts?

I think you are right. I remember reading about the gentlemen hiding the lace at their wrists because they were afraid the French Revolution would happen in England. I think Beau Brummel was trying to cover the fact that he was of lower birth.
The men definitely took it too far!

karrieof5