Gown from The Lady's Pocket Magazine, 1824

So it's relatively common knowledge that in nineteenth century England (and indeed, well before), ankles were viewed a bit more lustfully than they are today. Hence the long dresses, right? Gently-bred ladies were meant to keep their ankles covered at all times, (though from my reading it seems that “accidentally” allowing a glimpse was a relatively innocent form of flirtation), and great care was taken to ensure this. So the question of the day is this:

Why were ankles so scandalous?

I mean, really? What was it about a woman’s ankles that inspired so many etiquette rules, that required gowns to fall all the way to the floor? It really is a mystery to me. Maybe it’s because I’m a girl, and can't understand the convoluted workings of the male brain (read: libido). But honestly, I’ve never heard of modern men making remarks about a woman’s ankles. I mean, really.

But apparently, ankles got nineteenth century gents all hot and bothered.