What does a dress means as gift to the debutant?

In many debutante traditions, the dress is not gifted to the debutant, but rather is chosen and purchased by the debutant herself or her family. The dress is often seen as a symbol of the debutant's coming-of-age and her transition into womanhood. As such, it is typically a formal gown that is both elegant and age-appropriate. The debutant may also choose to wear jewelry or other accessories to complement her dress.