The Perception of Being Cool Within Subcultures

In some ways, it's easier to seek social acceptance and be seen as cool or an ingroup member within these kind of settings. But in the other way, it does take a lot of effort and it takes a lot of dedication, I guess, to a specific way of living. What makes someone cool or sets people apart within subcultures is often incredibly specific. There are trends that we have to both follow and violate - how do we know what to follow and what not to follow?