Eden, this may all be true, but the OP is talking about "learn to ride" and then switching to clipless pedals. (and you'll note I specified that in my answer)

My recommendations would have been completely different had she been looking for a permanent alternative to clipless.

The expense of cycling shoes is just not justified IMO for a beginner with no issues by the marginal differences that would only be noticed on very long rides or by a very strong rider (if that even, the cheaper end of cycling shoes, especially SPD's or commuter shoes, aren't particularly stiff anyway; I own hiking boots stiffer than my first pair of SPD's).

If she goes ahead and buys clipless shoes then she's cut her pedal options in half and eliminates basically all traditional road pedals before she even considers them (I wouldn't recommend riding platforms with road shoes that typically have no rubber or grip on the balls of the feet). For what? Fractionally more power? A little less fatigue on long rides? Not things I think a beginner is (or should be) worried about (unless there's pain already present).

Yes, shoes designed for platform pedals are an option. I still wouldn't recommend the expense unless it was either a permanent move or there was pain/fatigue/control issues already present.

I'm not saying there isn't a difference. I'm saying, based on the info in the OP, the differences would be miniscule if noticeable at this time and that it's probably better to wait until she switches pedals and knows what kind of shoes she needs for compatibility.