Weddingbee boards

I also had a plus sized BM.  We stayed away from empire waist because it is not a chubby girls friend.  We found her dress at Davids.  The ones that looked the best on her were the ones that were fitted through the middle with some ruching.  I thought the best way to find out what worked was to let her try on different styles and see what she liked best.  I also did not have the same dress for each girl.  They were each able to pick out a style that worked best for them.  I don't know if that is an option for you, but it worked for me. 

I have two plus sized bridesmaids, and to make everyone more comfortable, each woman is wearing a different gown in the same fabric and color. One of my bridesmaid's upper body is very disproportionate to her lower body, so she chose a dress with more coverage on the bodice to compensate and the dress looks nice on her. I would suggest David's Bridal. They have a few selections in chiffon--that's the fabric I selected as well.

as a plus size girl ... it really depends on her body shape.  Where does she carry her weight?  If she is a pear shape and the weight is around her hips/thighs the empire could work. 

I for one could not where the styles with the fitted middle and the "ruching" it drew the eye to my worst part.

I say take her shopping & try some on.  David's Bridal has plenty of larger sizes in different styles.

Oh - and halters can be BAD for plus size.  They dig into my neck.