I think Alpha's going along the right track with his "society context" vibe.
Take 1 Cor 11 vs 2-16.
Some choice excerpts include:
"every woman who prayeth with her head uncovered dishonours her head"
"it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven"
Now, you could take this passage to say that all women, everywhere throughout modern society, should cover their heads during prayer. However, this is not what Paul's banging on about. From reading "Systematic Theology" by W. Grudem, I've discovered this is not the case.
Back in the Corinth when Paul was writing this letter, the main cultural distinction between men and women was a head covering. What Paul is getting at is that people should realise their role as man or woman, and acknowledge it by dressing accordingly. It doesn't mean all the women in todays churches have to wear balaclavas, it merely means they shouldn't dress up like blokes. And similarly men shouldn't turn up to church in miniskirts and high heels.
I think the important point is to accept the role God has given you. Men and women were created different, and for good reasons. It's certainly nothing to get upset about.
Nick