I use a chest rig and belt set up personally. But I like to keep things as simple and low profile as possible.
But its all down to personal choice, you will get varying responses from different people and hopefully explaining why we use these set ups, however you need to find what works for YOU. Airsoft is a personal games, the only thing you need to have is eye pro, and even then there are more choices than you can shake a stick at. This is why experienced players tend to have enough spare kit to fill the boot of a car as we buy stuff we think we need or want to realise its not quite right and get another option, and repeat and repeat etc
I have tried a large chest rig with loads of room for gear, a plate carrier and a belt only set up and after 3/4 years finally found what I think is the best set up for how I play and what I use. Which is the Viper vx buckle up rig https://ukmcpro.co.uk/products/viper-vx-buckle-up-utility-rig It takes 6 smg mags and 2 pistol mags (but is modular for any set up) sits square in the middle of my chest and doesnt catch on scrub, trees or my sling. Cheap too (my plate carrier cost me over £100 and was used once )
I dont like the feel of a plate carrier, I find it restricting, also I was tempted to fill it with unnecessary pouches and kit. Like you I tend not to carry uneeded gear. I for one do not see the point in carrying gear which you dont use just for a look as you end up with extra stuff you need to lug around, might get caught on bushes etc and costs money. But thats just me.
To be fair any set up could look good in your eyes, I would have a look next time your on site and see something someone else is using and ask questions about it.
Military 1st is a great website, they have plenty of chest rig options avilable, good service too. Have a browse. Get a camo which works for your loadout, looking at what yoiu have a multicam, tan or olive rig would work and be multifunctional too.