Ideally, we would be handed a list of fall's best essentials and odd, word-of-mouth hidden gems when the first leaf turned brown. But, instead, most of us spend hours in the wan light of a computer squinting at page four of Nordstrom results trying to find the right pair of jeans.For you (and for me), I asked our team of product reviewers to divulge their all-time best fall and winter finds. As people who test thousands of products throughout the year to determine what is good, what is gimmicky, and what's an unusually great value, we're especially picky about what we ourselves buy.Below, we've rounded up 22 of the fall essentials we feel most grateful forand wear most oftenin the fall and winter:A classic thick wool mock-neck sweater from REIREI Co-op Wallace Lake Mock-Neck Sweater, available at REI, $99.95This may be the item I wear most in my fall closet. It's a spot-on update to the classic thick wool knit sweater. Its mock-neck silhouette makes it slightly coolerand more proportionate on the bodythan your average sweater, and it's oversized without becoming misshapen or bulky thanks to its clever patterning. It's thick, durable, and only faintly itchy; I wear it without an undershirt without any discomfort, but anyone especially sensitive may want one. REI's stereotypical allegiance to quality also means it feels like it will last me many winters to come. All in all, it has been a great find for $100.Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter$70 Everlane jeans that sculpt the legs and never bag outEverlane Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny, available at Everlane, $68Let me begin by saying that I am extremely picky when it comes to jeans, and that I didn't want to like Everlane's Authentic Stretch denim. (People loved Everlane's debut denim line, I did not). However, I've come to rely on my own black pair more than any other in my closet for work, weekends, and even plane rides I could perform an Olympic gymnastics routine and they would retain their shape. Plus, they look amazing onsculpting and slimming. I fluctuate between a size 26 and 27 and I'm glad I got the 26 in these. For $70, they're one of the best discoveries I've made.Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporterAn extremely comfortable tights from an emerging startupHeist Tights, available at Heist, $34One of my favorite pairs of tights are these soft, comfortable, and durable ones from a new brand called Heist. I like that it comes in both low and high waistbands, neither of which roll or twist into my skin and make me regret putting on tights that morning. You can also say goodbye to the gusset, which is usually poorly designed and doesnt fit well anywaysit turns out tights, like these ones, can be perfectly comfortable without it.Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporterThese tights have been my go-to pair since I first put them on. They're durable enough to withstand my none-too-gentle handling, and soft enough to be worn all day comfortably. I've always had the peculiar misfortune of getting a stomach ache when wearing tightsno matter the sizethanks to the pressure around my waist. These still have a very subtle control (really more like smoothing) top, but they remain one of the only pairs that I can wear all day without pain. Love them.Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporterSee the rest of the story at Business Insider
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