Formal is a ceiling, not a missing score
Goat Mediation asks for a Patterned, Eclectic dress that is not too Formal. The card's Formal (MAX) 40 means the Formal value must remain 40 or lower. You do not need to increase a passing value of 15 to exactly 40.
Kimono, godet and patterned cotton
Choose the kimono bodice and godet skirt as the starting shape. The walkthrough recommends Pink Kaleidoscopic Embroidered Cotton or Yellow Cross Party Embroidered Cotton for the Patterned and Eclectic combination.
Compare those items with what is available on your save. A patterned-looking fabric is not automatically the same tagged item, and one helpful score does not override the Formal cap. Watch all three style rows when changing a piece, including any collar or sleeve you add to the starting shape.
If Formal is too high
If Patterned and Eclectic pass but Formal exceeds 40, stop adding high-scoring decorations indiscriminately. Inspect the current pattern and fabric tags for Formal contributions, then replace the conflicting choice with one that preserves the two required minimums.
Do this comparison in the draft before cutting where possible. If you have already sewn the dress, use targeted rework for the affected choice. No fixed subtraction formula or single replacement is established by the example.
Check the four rows
Read Patterned at least 50, Eclectic at least 50, Formal no more than 40, and Quality at least 80. The low Formal value is not a failure to repair. A green making-stage card still does not show customer acceptance: finish the dress and use the commission delivery option when your own requirements are met.