Since it won't happen the other way around, how do I get people to approach ME in public?

Try to look like you might have cocaine on you.

(Sorry man, I got nothing 😔 )

Probably the best thing I ever did to get random people to talk to me was growing a big curly handlebar moustache, now complimented with a long bushy beard.

My fashion choices also tend to make me stand out a bit- brightly colored Hawaiian shirts in the warmer months (I have one with pictures of the dog breed I have on it, that gets a lot of people approaching me,) occasionally a kilt (people love to ask about the kilt) interesting sunglasses, hats (used to wear a bowler occasionally, I'm less of a fan of it these days, panama hat in the summer, etc.)

Clothing and style choices are a little tricky. There's kind of a fine line between wearing something interesting that makes people want to talk to you and coming across as a fedora-wearing neckbeard who's trying too hard. Those choices have to look good on you, you have to like them and give off a bit of confidence while wearing them, and it has to be something that will catch the attention of the kind of person you want to attract.

And most importantly, you need to be able to carry a conversation from there. That's the hard part.

Having some story or a joke at the ready is a pretty good crutch to kind of get yourself over that last part. For example my go-to when people come up to me to compliment my beard/moustache is to joke that "I grew it myself" which is usually good for a chuckle, and then the ice is broken, and you can kind of try to steer the conversation from there.

I've had a lot of fun conversations with strangers and made a few friends along the way. I never personally had much luck turning that into a romantic relationship, but that was also never something I actively pursued much in general, I just kind of let things go from there and through friends who I met that way I eventually met my wife.

Until very recently, I had neon colored hair. Pink, blue, green, orange, purple, red; the whole rainbow. Changed it once every few months.

Women very frequently came up to me to compliment my hair and often would lead to conversations about where I got my dye, who did it, etc. like women stopping their cars in parking lots just to give me a compliment. More often than not it turned into a short convo, that usually ended around the time I mentioned my wife was the artist who did my hair.

Had I known this was a thing before I was married, I would have died my hair in a heartbeat.

I think it may have been a little disarming and was something unique enough that it was worth striking up a convo.

Get a cute dog. Or a cat on a leash. Give them something to talk about.

Use “social props.” I’m not sure if that’s a real term, but like the colored-hair guy said, it’s about creating an easy conversation starter and giving people “permission” to approach you. An interesting hat, reading a book where people can see the cover / title, a pet or a friend’s pet, doing a hobby like painting (you don’t have to be good at it), comic books, musical instrument, D&D manual, playing dominos…whatever! If someone wants to chat, just give them a small natural conversation starter and frequently look up from it, take breaks, smile; so they know it’s ok to interrupt you. If someone shows interest by a prolonged or repeated glance, just smile and say, “Hey are you into ‘whatever’ too?”

People here talking about "props", and that's fair and dandy but only and only if you truly like or are into said props. Because you will attract people who are into that too, but also repel those who aren't. As a woman I never cared much about either people with dogs or babies. None of my business. But I have approached people with other animals or doing arts for example.

My recommendation would be to join a group activity and stick to it for a couple months. See how it goes, then switch to something else. It can be life drawing, bushwalking, patisserie, guitar, board games- you name it. This puts you back in control because the activity acts as the prop, and by context you are allowed to say "oh such nice drawings, how do you do xyz?" " Are those shoes good for walking?" "Do you bake often?" You start the conversation and it doesn't need to be personal at all. I'm always surprised to see normal people cross the line and start asking personal questions about me once I make it obvious that I'm open to conversation.

have you considered purchasing (or renting?) a Horga'hn?

Just get it printed on a shirt.

Along with something funny.

Get a pirate hat. Wear that pirate hat. If they start the convo, quickly let them know you are on the lookout for more booty.

On a more serious note, other than having something interesting to talk about (dog, coloured hair, pirate hat), be sure to watch the eyes and try to hold eye contact with people who interest you first. We look at things that interest us. But please don't stare!

Longer than one second is basically a big sign of interest, so maybe crack a smile.
IF they are super interested and confident, chances are good that they will approach you.

Good luck, sailor.

girls will signal to me that they might be open to having a conversation, but it's rare that one would directly initiate. the trick for me is recognizing the signals when i see them, and not hanging around for too long especially if it doesn't look like it's working out.

Get a dog, or a child; they’re chick-magnets. Even if not your own. Maybe you could take a nephew/niece/whatever to the playground once a week? Walk the neighbour’s dog for a few blocks? As someone else said, once there’s a prop, they’re not approaching you directly, they’re interacting with a common interest, and that’s a good way to meet people.

By being interesting.

How you do that is up to you. Like visibly enjoying hobbies, having an eccentric look, going for a fun personality, or being in cool locations. It also allows you to talk about something you personally enjoy.

be in the moment

speak about the moment

if that moment isn't happening, dont force it

You have to talk to them.

Try to just be friends. Try to be funny. Try to be a little irreverent. Unpredictable. Amusing.

Nice day huh?

Did you see that cool show / game last night / dog that ran by just now with a six pack of beer?!

Excuse me you look really familiar. Have we met before?

Hi I’m Fred what’s your name? (Only do this if your name is Fred otherwise it gets awkward)

If they blow you off whatever. That one was just practice.

You got this bud!

Do something poorly/dangerous in the gym, attach yourself (politely) to the person who comes to help,

Or do something you're passionate about and offer your knowledge to people who are earnestly trying their best but not doing it well (be conscience and ask if they'd like your experience to guide them)

Alternatively go hang out at an old folks home, they'd love your company, they'll regail you with stories from their glory days, and they'll probably talk you up to their family.

Volunteer your time at animal shelters/public service events.

Step #1 - Be attractive.

Step #2 - Be very outgoing.

Step #3 - Be ridiculously charming.

Do this, and you will attract interest from random strangers who see you being wonderful, and want to be involved in whatever you are doing and / or saying.