I remember it clearly: on Saturday nights in suburban New Jersey, my best friend and I would whip out our Gothic Lolita best, and drive to a neighboring town to see a weekly midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. We'd trade bellbottom Levi's and faded tanks for velvet pants, lace tops, fishnets and silky mini-dresses – all in black of course – finishing our looks with inky lipstick and black eyeliner so thick that Cleopatra would be impressed. Though we looked like ghouls (with a dash of jailbait-chic) the experience was like an exorcism; for every party we didn't feel welcome at, and every weird look in the halls that we received, we retaliated on Saturday nights by embracing our darkness. For one weekend evening it didn't matter if high school was grim. If our teenage years were nightmarish, then finally, we were the ones doing the haunting.

It's no surprise that in the midst of economic collapse, America is confronting its demons. With the success of the Twilight series and True Blood on HBO, vampires couldn't be hotter, and the fashion world is baring its fangs. This fall and winter, labels like Rodarte, Givenchy and Alexander McQueen took death and decay as a starting point for their collections. Creatures of the night – dominatrixes, bikers and rockers – are getting their due, plucked from shadowy bars and underground nightclubs to be featured on the runways. Black is most definitely the new black. And what does this mean for shoes? Everywhere, we're seeing pumps, booties and boots that look like they've stepped right out of a sexy, sophisticated dungeon. From motorcycle boots by Stuart Weitzman and Miu Miu, to gladiator-inspired fetish footwear by Givenchy, new styles prove that Halloween is far from over. And if you're not feeling quite so in touch with your darkside, don't fret – designs range this season from simply fringe-inspired to the downright macabre.

Biker Chick
An accessible take on the alt-nation trend, motorcycle boots are hot this season, ranging from flat to high-heeled, ankle-high to over-the-knee. Typically black with metal accessories, the biker boot implies high velocity, a don't-mess-with-me-strut, and general butt-kicking. Every girl needs a new pair of boots for fall, and with the variety of choices out there, you can decide for yourself if you want to be more Angel than Hell's, or whole-hog Harley Davidson. Here are some favorite styles that have recently hit the pavement:

Rock Star Chic
Welcome to the winter of our discontent: rock stars, who like bikers live outside the law, express our collective unrest in ways we laymen can't, pounding the stage in stiletto's. As we drag our feet, rock stars swagger, kicking up dust in their paths. Is it any surprise then that we could all use a little more Mick Jagger in our lives? Or how about Gwen Stefani: the success of L.A.M.B footwear proves we're all aching to be a little less country. Featuring patent leather, sky-high heels, animal print and faux crocodile, these rockin' shoes have bark and bite and show that change is made one stylish step at a time.

Goth but Glam
Time to wave your freak flags, ladies; these shoes, with their heavy-duty buckles and S&M trimmings, aren't for the faint of heart. From corset-like lacing on Burberry booties to web-inspired cutouts on Louboutin sandals, many styles this season seek to redefine vamp. It's hard not to feel sexy in such adventurous footwear, and a little bit devilish, too. Forget the economic downturn and the cold winter nights; strap on a pair of these irresistible shoes and have the whole world saying "yes, mistress"!