Leopard and burgundy is the pairing that makes me want to light a candle and pour a glass of red wine. It's warm and a bit decadent, and it looks just as good at a work lunch as it does at a late dinner.

The reason it works: leopard is already full of browns, golds and black, and burgundy sits right alongside them. You're not adding a new color, you're turning up one that's already hiding in the print. It's much easier than leopard with black, which can tip into cliché.

The leopard grid covers a range of scales. Mother's Hustler Flood pants and R13's Joan cropped flares are the everyday versions, great with a burgundy knit. Dolce&Gabbana's leopard straight-leg pants are pure glamour. For dresses, Gucci's cashmere mini has a big, bold print, while Carolina Herrera's jacquard maxi does leopard in black and cream, softer and very elegant. Borgo De Nor's Astoria dress is devoré with fringe at the hem, the most dramatic thing here.

A good outfit to start with: leopard pants, a burgundy crewneck, a camel coat and brown boots. Every piece is a color that already lives in the print, so it all hangs together without any extra work from you.

Burgundy is red with the volume turned down. It's the color of oxblood loafers and old velvet curtains, and it's much easier to wear than bright red.

Velvet is the fabric I'd reach for first. Veronica Beard's Raelynn Dickey velvet jacket is a proper blazer that looks rich with leopard pants. Borgo De Nor's Arden dress is velvet with a crystal-embellished belt, a party dress with real presence. For something softer, Max Mara's Placido mohair-blend turtleneck vest goes over a white shirt and under a coat.

Satin gives the color shine. Sanderlak's satin wide-leg pants are the easy evening option, and Rabanne's gathered jersey skirt drapes beautifully. Agolde's Theodore ruched tank is $190 and goes under everything.

Tonal dressing works well here: burgundy top, burgundy pants, leopard shoes. Very chic.

If velvet feels like too much for daytime, a burgundy knit does the same job. It's the easiest bridge between leopard and everything else in your closet.

If you want the pairing without the commitment, do it with accessories. A leopard shoe with a burgundy outfit, or a burgundy bag with a leopard coat.

Gianvito Rossi's Georgie loafer is leopard-print suede, flat and practical. Cult Gaia's Abi sandal and Kazia Nano crossbody are both cheetah, the smaller, spottier cousin of leopard. Liffner's belted calf hair clutch is the most polished bag in the grid.

On the burgundy side, Saint Laurent's Le Loafer is glossy eel with a gold Cassandre logo, and Mansur Gavriel's Zeppa slide and Mini Gaia crossbody both come in a deep claret. The Dragon Diffusion Castello bag is woven leather with a beautifully handmade look.

Pick one leopard accessory and one burgundy accessory, and you can wear this pairing with jeans and a white T-shirt.