'refined-looking' originates from a modern English compound of the past-participle adjective 'refined' and the present-participle/participial adjective 'looking'. 'refined' ultimately comes from the verb 'refine' (from Old French/Medieval Latin roots meaning to make pure), while 'look' comes from Old English 'lōcian' meaning 'to look'.

'refined' developed as the past participle/adjective form of 'refine' (Middle English from Old French 'raffiner', from Late Latin 'refinare'). 'look' evolved from Old English 'lōcian' to Middle English 'loken'/'loken', producing modern 'look'. The compound 'refined-looking' is a relatively recent productive formation in Modern English combining an adjective and '-looking' to describe appearance.

Initially, 'refined' (from 'refine') primarily meant 'made pure' or 'freed from impurities'; over time it broadened to include senses of cultured, elegant, or polished, which is how it is used in the compound 'refined-looking'.