You have no business logging Instrument time unless it's actual or simulated. Either you are in a cloud, or you are wearing a view limiting device. Simple as that. If you are on an IFR flight plan in VFR conditions and not using a view limiting device with a Safety Pilot on board to look out for VFR traffic (remember that when VFR the pilot is ALWAYS responsible for seeing and avoiding other traffic) then you are technically flying VFR and can't log any of it unless at some point you go actual. For purposes of currency, you need to have been actual or have flown your approaches under a view limiting device (at least in the US).
If you could see outside, you can't log it! Simple as that!