I buy mainly for function, too. Until Taz, I have had long haired dogs, so you really couldn't see their collars that well any way. Ginger wears a martingale because she is very good at escaping from buckle/clasp collar. A martingale will tighten as she tries to wiggle her way out (then release when she stops). Taz wears a halter, because whenever I try to attach a leash to his collar he starts choking. The both also wear nylon clasp collars with their tags. Now, since I have been on Pet Talk, some of the ladies have shared many low cost collar sites, so I have found that I can afford some that are both cute/pretty and functional.