It’s time to pull on your short shorts and pop your collars. Well, no need to do all of that if it isn’t your personal style… but at least throw on your favorite summer gear and get OUT there this weekend.

Summer has officially begun, the sun is shining (well, in most places), and you’ve never been sexier than you are right now. Here are some tips for catching the eye of an alluring stranger, from bars to beaches and beyond.

Coffee Shop Showdown: If you see a hottie waiting at the coffee bar for his/her iced coffee, let them know you think they’re cute by sending out good vibes. A smile, the initiation of a joke about how long it’s taking to get your orders, or a flirtatious “Is that your skim cap or mine?” can go a long way. I can’t tell you how many of my friends met their current partners at Starbucks. Iced coffee is a great bonding tool.

Another coffee shop tip– so many telecommute or work-from-home professionals use their local java stop as an office. If you are a freelancer, or are between jobs and networking, set up shop with your laptop at a cafe and spend the day there. You never know what attractive, entrepreneurial people you might meet!

Fun in the Sun: The beach is a free zone– free from stress, free from thoughts of work and drama with friends. The beach is your place to be a kid again, so why not enjoy some mild flirtation while soaking up the rays? Bring a frisbee, volleyball or other prop when you hit the beach or lake with your single friends. You’ll feel confident approaching cute singles to have them join in the fun when you’re in a group setting. Bonus: your killer bod is on display; a bathing suit is the perfect advertisement for what you’ve got.

Backyard Romance: Your friend is throwing a barbecue and inviting some single friends of his/her significant other. Perfect opportunity for you to shine! Show up wearing your cutest I-look-great-but-don’t-try-too-hard summer outfit and bring a special homemade food or drink item to strut your domestic skills and all-around thoughtfulness. Not a culinary genius or natural bar master? Invest in a delicious crowd-pleaser like RIPE all-natural margarita mix and a bottle of tequila. Party’s here!

Happy Hour Hotness: Summer is the perfect time for enjoying your city, and no one can pass up an outdoor happy hour. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, happy hour on a rooftop or sidewalk is a great opportunity for mingling with strangers. The summer air and a $3 beer or $1 oyster puts people in the mood to meet each other. Scope out the best deals in outdoor, early-evening dining and drinking in your town and show up with a single friend and tow… and an open mind.